EarthWatch

Florida's Solar Initiative

Bruce Kershner, the Executive Director at Florida Solar Energy Industries Association (FlaSEIA) gave me permission reprint a part of his recent article on the blog...Thanks Bruce, your effort and those of others are making a continuing...renewable difference to our planet.

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Solar Shines in Florida as Governor Signs Energy Bill
Against the back drop of the future site of the United States EnviroFuels Ethanol Production Facility at the Port of Tampa, Governor Jeb Bush signed into law today the "2006 Florida Renewable Energy Technologies & Energy Efficiency Act."

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Colleen Castille welcomed the governor and other dignitaries to the signing of this momentous legislation.
Hailed as a great first step toward reducing the state’s reliance on fossil fuels, Governor Bush praised legislators for producing a good piece of legislation. The governor stated that this comprehensive Energy Bill includes incentives for Floridians to help offset the rising cost of energy. In part, the bill creates the Florida Energy Incentives Program, which Governor Bush says the Sunshine State will lead the nation in solar energy. The Florida Energy Incentives Program was championed by Senator Paula Dockery (R - Lakeland) and Representative Dorothy Hukill (R - Daytona Beach Shores).

Governor Bush commented that he fully expects this incentive program to be a success and urged the Legislature to continue adequate funding of the program in the future.
One of the main architects of the Energy Bill, Senator Lee Constantine (R - Altamonte Springs), cited the Legislature’s vision in placing Florida at the forefront of energy policy as it sets out to "change the charts" in energy usage. Constantine concluded his remarks by saying that he felt this legislation puts Florida ahead of all states in the development of a comprehensive Energy Policy.

Adam Hasner (R - Delray Beach), who ushered the Energy Bill through the Florida House, pledged to continue to work on energy issues in the future.

Effective July 1, 2006, and extending through June 30, 2010, Florida consumers and businesses installing solar equipment, including solar photovoltaic (electricity), solar thermal (water heater) and solar thermal pool heaters, will be eligible for the state’s solar rebates program, currently budgeted for $2.5 million in the first year. Highlights of the Florida Energy Incentives Program are illustrated below:
Solar Energy System Incentives Program
Residential Commercial

Solar Thermal (Water Heater) $500 $5,000
$15 per 1000 BTUs.

Solar Photovoltaic (Electricity) $20,000 $100,000
$ 4 per watt up to a maximum rebate for a residence of $20,000 and $100,000 for commercial.

Solar Thermal Pool Heater $100 $100

The following are highlights of the bill:
Creates the Florida Energy Commission.

Purpose
The Solar Energy System Incentives Program is established within the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to provide financial incentives for the purchase and installation of solar energy systems.

Any resident of the state who purchases and installs a new solar energy system of 2 kilowatts or larger for a solar photovoltaic system, a solar energy system that provides at least 50 percent of a building’s hot water consumption for a solar thermal system or a solar thermal pool heater, from July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2010, is eligible for a rebate on a portion of the purchase price of that solar energy system.

posted by Moon Shadow @ 7:44 AM