State-Sponsored Incentives for Residential Solar in FL
Given its nickname as the Sunshine State, it's fitting that Florida is a good place to go solar. As you'll see below, lawmakers have started to support solar power on a broader scale. Those of you who are interested in installing a solar PV or solar hot water system for your home can take advantage of the incentive programs listed below. Plus, don't forget the 30-percent federal tax credit and accelerated depreciation rules. Together, the right mix of tax credits, rebates and/or production incentives can significantly improve the financial return of your PV system.
Photovoltaic (PV) Rebates
Gainesville Regional Utilities sponsors a PV rebate program, which provides a rebate of $1.50/watt for residential systems 10 kW in size or smaller.
Orange County's OCHEEP! Program provides a small but helpful $1000 rebate for PV systems of any size.
Through their Pilot Solar Programs, the Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) offers a production-based incentive. Under the arrangement, OUC offers to buy the renewable energy credits (RECs) associated with the electricity output from your PV system. The payments are equal to $0.05/kWh for solar PV systems ($0.03/kWh for solar hot water) and show up as a credit on your monthly utility bill. The agreement's initial term is typically five years. The program is open to both residential and commercial customers.
Solar Water Heat Rebates
A number of utilities provide rebates for residential hot water systems. See the below list to get started, but be sure to check with your particular utility for full details.
Tallahassee Utilities: $450 for residential hot water system
Clay Cooperative website: up to $600 for residential hot water system
Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU): $500 for residential hot water system
Gulf Power:$1000 for residential hot water system
JEA: $400 to $800 for residential hot water systems (up to $5,000 for commercial)
OCHEEP! Program for Orange County residents: up to $1000 for a solar hot water system
Progress Energy: $450 credit for installation of a solar water heat system; additional monthly credits for taking part in load control program
Tax Incentives
Florida exempts renewable energy equipment-- including PV and solar hot water systems-- from sales tax.
The preceding list isn't comprehensive -- so we encourage you to visit Florida's page on the DSIRE database, a great resource for people interested in learning more about renewable energy.
What to do next:
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Browse our directory of solar installation professionals serving Florida.
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Tell us about your commercial solar project by filling out our information form.
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We'll follow up. Then, we'll get you competitive, timely bids from a number of installers.
Related topics:
Updated 7/8/10 Florida: Residential Solar Incentives |
