Florida State Solar Power Rebates, Tax Credits, and Incentives

Colin

An investment in PV can be an expensive proposition. To completely power a 42KWH / day electrical habit (my house) you require a 6KW system and a generous 7 hours of sunshine (bank on 6 at best). At $9 / watt installed – $54K (minus $2K fed, $18K state) that still leaves $34K to finance. A better idea is to tackle the hungriest appliance first – the water heater. This device uses up to a third of electrical usage – 14KWH / day in my case. A solar water heater cost me $3900 installed – I should get back $500 state incentive and $1170 FED (30%) – leaving $2230 to recoup. At 10 cents a KWH thats $42 / mth savings – or 5 years ROI give or take. Heated water is kept hot in a tank – so the benefits span cloudy days – and water is hot at night. Solar water heating generates further benefits – the home user sees the savings – and can see the light at the end of the ROI tunnel, the leap to PV may make more sense. Also, the 42KWH / per day appetite is now 28KWH – a 3KW system along with the conservative nature that comes with PV ownership will just about delete an electric bill. Also, you do something now – a year of the sun heating your water may see lower $/watt install prices, bigger incentives, etc.

Colin

Put in a solar water heater first – it saves about a third of your electrical usage, whets your appetite for PV, lowers the amout of PV you need, and almost half is covered with rebates.

jim c

I would break even to cut the power company out. They are at an endless increase….

Mary Guler

I’d be interested in knowing the cost benefit comparison of solar hot water to tankless hot water, which is also reported to generate great savings.

Joseph LaRocca

i would like to know if the power that be.Have thought of any type of incentive. That would give a real incentiv for the Sr.population. They could realy use the savings it would give but it would take to long to realize the help. We have the need. the place and the time.to give it a try we could be the test group to show how well it works. And the time to record the the way it works. I would be glad to be a test paintent.

charles longieliere

how can i find the status of my rebate for solar water heater

DOUG B

IF SOLAR IS SO GOOD WHY CAN’T THEY MAKE IT MORE AFFORDABLE FOR THE AVERAGE PERSON

Cirag

I really want to do this (I live in sunny Fort Lauderdale), but the state rebate of $20,000 has been exhausted, and it doesn’t look to be renewed. Take away the $20,000 and it’s pretty tough to make the business case for equipping a PV system. Depressing! I would love to hear other thoughts on this.

Dan Hahn

Regarding Mary’s question about the comparison between tankless and solar water heaters, I did a little searching. A lot of people ask about them as an alternative.

Tom Lane, author of Solar Hot Water Systems says: “Tankless water heaters do save space, but not much energy. Numerous tests by independent third parties, have shown only 10% savings versus conventional electric water heaters and 15% to 20% savings versus energy efficient conventional gas water heaters over a 24 hour period. Most manufacturers of these expensive water heater systems exaggerate the savings. Daily savings quotes of 25% or higher versus modern electric or gas water heaters are simply not true. In 2004, hot water manufacturers were required to add additional insulation to all water heaters, making instantaneous water heater savings more insignificant. Tankless water heaters have serious problems with scaling in hard water areas.”

Fixizin

Pretty LAME when the gov’t of a State (FL) with a whopping population of 19,000,000(!), and so much solar exposure, allocates a measly $5MIL for incentives! Of course it’s already gone, since that’ only 250 homes @ $20K each! And every participating business is eligible for up to $100K, which comes from the same pool, and knocks 5 homes out of contention.

Am I the only one who smells the stench of UTILITY LOBBYIST opposition all over this? GRRRrrr…

Susan

In the State of Florida I would think it would be more beneficial if we could run the air conditioners instead of just the water heaters. It should be made more cost effective to the average home owner and for once consider the people not the “profit margin”

lin

From the FPL web site
The solar rebate program is very popular and successful. Due to the large volume of rebate applications received the budget approved for FY2008-2009,$5 million, was exhausted. When all of the funding was exhausted for FY2007-2008, the state continued to accept applications, placing the applicants on a waiting list. This list of approved applications has now reached the $5 million mark and will absorb all of the FY2008-2009 funding upon appropriation. The solar rebate checks will begin to be delivered in mid-July.

karin

I have heard about plans to build your own solar panels at a reduced cost. What are the caveats for that? Thanks.

sister plop

hi people

Beth

There is a program in California to help senior citizens on fixed incomes install solar in their homes. There is an urgent, urgent need for this in Florida now. Progress Energy has been granted, by the Republican appointed PSC, a huge rate increase. Think about summer in Florida without air conditioning. Think about 95 degrees and the humidity of summer for seniors and those with heart and other health problems not being able to run the air conditioning. This is a health emergency in the making and the governor and legislator don’t give a damn.

Ben

The federal incentive is now 1/3 the cost with no cap.

sunshngurl

I’m embarrassed that my state of Florida does not have a more progressive solar program. There should be a solar panel on every roof in the state. Why is this so difficult??? When logic fails, follow the money trail…..

Matthew

What an absolute great way to start and continue the enviroment! The solar water heaters are extremely benefitial financially and enviromentally. I have recently joined a company that speciallizes in solar water heaters as well as panels to heat pools during the cooler months….much more interested in the water heaters. I’m in the central Florida area, if anyone would like some feedback or information e-mail me @ Moore1716@gmail.com

Robert

Hey Beth, that’s why California is bankrupt and Florida isn’t. When the government gets involved in free enterprise, it wrecks the industries. Just look at the auto industry that was forced to finance all the development of all the hybrid cars that no one wants.

Jim

If they want to save POWER than where are the 25 watt electric bulbs, I can’t find them. Remember that they save and you PAY !!

Jim

Vito Buonomano III

Energy Reality in RI:
I have recently started a solar company in RI (neastsolar.com) and I am shocked at the lack of action of people in the North East when it comes to energy conservation. There are still many thousands of homes and business in the North East that have not taken advantage of low cost quick pay back energy efficiency improvements. When you add them all up they have a far greater impact on our environment, local econemy and road to energy independence than alternative energy. Some of us that have lived through the energy conservation years of the 70’s and early 80’s have made the necessary efficiency improvements to our homes and businesses and are ready for alternative energy. We in the Northeast seem to only react when energy prices reaches deep into our pocket. The new President should ASAP consider taxing oil to keep the energy conservation and the alternative energy ball rolling.

David

Taxing a commodity to force consumers to another product?, a little regressive thinking for a progressive business owner. I want the gov’t to tax all of my competition too.

Kel

I’m so close to putting a 3.12 kW system on my home in South Fl but I’m worried about the rebate from the state and the Fed incentive. Two questions:
1-Does anyone know if they are going to replenish the State Rebate money?
2-Is the Fed rebate 30% with no cap, or is $2000?
Both of these will factor in on my decsion. I’m looking at either $10,000 or $22,000 depending on the rebates!!!! BIG DIFFERENCE.

Dan Hahn

Kel,

For sure, the Fed rebate is now 30% with no cap. The cap was removed at the end of 2008. I’m not sure about timing on the Florida state rebate. We’ll try to dig something up for you in the next week.

Cheers,

- Dan

tom koether

nice presentation, seeking full system in stages or on one shot

Sharon

I want to be in the manufacturing process. Live in Florida. What kind of education do I need to land a job in Alternative Energy which I am wanting to do a career change to?

Uwe

Hello over there.I live in germany and was looking for some infos about what is going on now with alternative energy in the us.
I and alot of people here own a solarwater heating system here and it works good.My system is just for the hot water storage but lot of people have it combined with the heating system.
Last dec i decided to invest in a solar energy system.That works too but we get a high support from the energy supplier.
the energy suppliers are forced by law to buy your solar energy for 0.48 cents per kw for systems set up in 2008.2009 is it 0.43 cent now.To compare for the energy i take from the grid i pay around 18 cent.
If i would live in florida i would definately check if i my roof would be a good location for a system.But heat is not good for modules because with rising heat the power production lowers.
If anybody is looking in further info feel free to mail me.:U.Matzel@hotmail.com

Dale

i think that pv panels are the way to go, but the expense is still to large. but i have been working on cutting my electric bill to its bare minimum. At the moment i have it down to 46.00 dollars for the month. between a timer on my hot water heater, and not using my A/C. Thank God for a great breeze. People look at cutting your usage and then re figure your needs in a system. plus look into having a spray foam roof installed. r7 per inch on your roof means that your attic won’t heat up. Just an idea… Thxs

Charles Hinricksen

Solar does rock, I have played with solar for several years and have now powered my entire outside with soft mood lighting plus run 1500 gallons of water thru 3 turtle ponds 24-7. I am really thinking of giving up my job of over 20 years to work in solar but do not really know were to start. any hints would be a great help

Ron

I am a x-fossil fuel project manager and sales rep. I am seeking manufacturing principals to represent in FL and GA.

Thanks, Ron
Southeast Energy Services, LLC

Bob

Are the state rebates for solar power generation treated as taxable income? If so, this seems to be overlooked on most webpages devoted to solar incentives. Can anyone give me an authoritative answer? I learned this at: http://seia.org/galleries/pdf/SEIATaxManual_v3-0_FAQ.pdf

JDub

Can you give updated cost benifit analysis? These numbers apear to be at least 2 years old.

Lisa

State of Florida rebate should not be considered taxable income, per DEP. See http://www.dep.state.fl.us/energy/energyact/files/faq_solar_rebates.PDF

Note that this is an old document and that the comment that the Federal tax credit would be reduced by the FL rebate is no longer valid. This was repealed in the Feb. 2009 Recovery Act legislation.

MIKE

I just think a more appropriate stimulus package would have been once that concentrated on renewable energy. Creation of jobs, protection of our environment and get the economy going again. Instead of giving billions to financial institutions we should have given every household a PV system free of charge.

Steve Louis

Net-Metering has got to be in place for wide residential and commercial use, and to keep power companies honest. The German system that makes it financially advantageous to invest now rather than later by using a declining rate of return year by year should also get potential alternative energy customers off the fence and into the game. Investors like to have a baseline rate of return and guaranteed buyback rates and fixed installation costs get that done.

Amy

Love all the info here. I want to get a good idea about what a solar hot water system should cost, installed. We have about 1,200 sq ft, 3 adults, and want a system that is self-sufficient. That is, with PV to run the pump and electric for backup only.

Tor a.k.a. "Solar Fred"

Hey, Amy.

Solar Hot water’s great!…from what we’ve heard! Right now, we’re trying just to keep up with all of the solar PV/electricity technology and financing and rebates. But of these days, we hope to get to hot water too.

RH

Fossil Fuels will only increase in price. 10 years from now you will be kicking yourself for not installing PV / solar water heaters. Have vision, nothing in life is free.

[...] updated the rebates and incentives available in the great State of Florida. The good news for Floridians is that we’re tentatively bumping our SolarPowerRocks [...]

Brad

Hi there! Thank you so much for this. As an employee of Brite Sky Solar in Jacksonville, we appreciate all you do in spreading the word on solar. One question though. In your example you show the ‘tax credits’ as being multiplied off the ‘after rebate’ price of 15k. My understanding is that the Federal Tax credit of 30% is on the amount paid, before rebates. From dsire.org: http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=US37F&re=1&ee=1

If this is not true, please let me know as I want to make sure our customers receive the most accurate answers to their FAQ!

Thanks again

Tor a.k.a. "Solar Fred"

Brad, there is a document linked to that dsireusa.org link your comment. It’s this FAQ from the solar energy society.

In that document, it states–for home owners–

A rebate received by a homeowner in a residential context usually does not have to be reported as
income when the rebate is received from the local utility. A homeowner who does not report the
rebate as income takes a “tax basis” in solar equipment equal to the net amount he paid. In other
words, if the solar equipment has a gross cost of $20,000, but a rebate from the local utility pays
$2,000, then his tax basis in the equipment for purposes of calculating the residential tax credit is
$18,000.

This is what we’re going by. HOWEVER, we are not tax people and there may be other interpretations with the law. That said, most of the solar software estimation calculators that I work with….agree with the above for home owners. Commercial/businesses, I believe you are right …or can be right, depending on the advice of your tax dude/attorney.

CB

You Do Not calculate the 30% FTC after you minus the Rebate. Case in point. Our company was the first to install a commercial customer who just received their FTC from the (DOE) Dept. of Energy for 30% of the total price. The cost of the 25kW PV Solar System was $167,500. The check was sent 2 and 1/2 months after the DOE application was received on September 21, 2009, for the exact amount of $50,250.00 . (Which is 30% of the contract price.) Do you honestly believe the Depart of Treasury issued a check on behalf of the DOE, for the wrong amount?

Tor a.k.a. "Solar Fred"

Ecowise,

You’re absolutely right…for commercial installations. For residents, that formula is not so clear, and guidance we’ve given for residential installs (which are the majority of our readers) is that the 30% is deducted after any state rebate. This comes from the American Solar Energy Society (ASES).

Also, residents are NOT eligible for a tax grant (cash!), which is what your company received. Residents are only eligible for a tax CREDIT, which they can use like cash towards paying whatever they owe the IRS on April 15th. Now, let me hedge a little here, because the actual tax form that gives all official rules for applying that tax credit for residence has not been been written, but again, this is our understanding from the ASES advice. The good news is the IRS will eventually be clearing this up and people will know one way or another. If you do get to take it off the top, tax dudes that I’ve talked to say then it’s going to be INCOME, which is taxable, and then it kind of works out to to the be the same amount.

But for simplicity’s sake, residents should take the 30% after any rebates. Commercial people, you lucky solar people, can take it off the top, but it may be taxed as income.

Steve Dale

Great Information, you guys rock! Thanks for the updated information. I posted your State by State Solar Report here: http://www.nlvca.org/forum/showthread.php?p=4240#post4240
If any of you three guys want to be moderators under our “Renewable Energy Category” please email us we are always looking for informed individuals to get the word out about renewable energy. http://www.nlvca.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=35

Dan Hahn

Thanks for spreading the love Steve!

Eric

As of Oct. 30th there is only $640,252.50 left in Florida’s Solar Rebate Program for FY 09-10
Here is the link to verify:

http://myfloridaclimate.com/climate_quick_links/florida_energy_climate_commission/grants_solar_rebates_incentives

Pat

As of Nov 9th, there is now only $12,464.50 left and they’re still only in June applications.

They’re essentially burning through $600,000 a week or $2.5 million a month.

lindsey

I am interested in solar energy. However even with the incentives it is still cost prohibitive for me. Are there good web sights that inform one on how to build and enstall there own systems?

Tor a.k.a. "Solar Fred"

Lindsey,

Honestly, these DIY (Do It Yourself) kits that you see on the Internet for a couple of hundred bucks are not worth the time and money. Plus, there’s a lot of electrical code problems and they look like Frankenstien on your roof, you don’t qualify for any rebates, it’ll take you a long time to find the material and to make them… I could go on about the challenges. Honestly, though it pains me to say this, I’d rather you wait until you can afford solar and not go solar than to waste your time and money on these solar/wind kits. Solar rebates will come down in Florida there may be some low income programs. Check with your utility.

Vaughn

My neighbor had a solar hot water system installed during the Carter administration and it still works! All of his hot water has been free for decades, thanks to the government’s help. We need to expand governments involvement in helping cut costs rather than making investing into Florida’s power companies more lucrative to the stockholder. Yea Federal government, boo Republican legislature and their lobbiest handlers.

Mike Mitchell

What a great resource! Now I have a place to send a lot of my visitors who keep asking me the same questions about state and federal level incentive programs. As you can imagine, the question comes up quite a lot during tax season. Thanks for again!

Cristine

I just checked the FL site. No rebate money is left as of today 1/25/10. Maybe I should put this on the backburner!! Really too bad!

Tor a.k.a. "Solar Fred"

Cristine, you’re right. Thanks for the update. We hope the program will be refunded again either through a federal program or through Florida. Keep in mind that each utility may also offer a unique program as well, separate from the state. There are many solar hot water programs being offered from each utility. If you’ve got electric hot water, you’ll save huge. Check here or on this site to see if your utility has a solar or energy efficiency program for you.

Thanks again for the update.

norm Grajek

when will florida funds be available for solar residence use ! ????

Tor a.k.a. "Solar Fred"

Norm, if we were political sages, we would be much more respected. Alas, we are simply solar geeks, and we cannot predict when the Florida legislator will gather its golden solar incentive eggs and lay them down for residents again. They are apparently focusing more on large scale utilities. Please yell at your legislator and governor. The greasy wheel…

Sorry we can’t be more help.

Alan

I have installed solar water system and a 4.8kw system here in Florida with the plans of the rebate from the state. Who would we get in contact to see when the money is approved?

Margaret

I am wanting to install solar power to my private home. I’ve been told that there are so many grants out there. Where are they?

Tor a.k.a. "Solar Fred"

Hey, Margaret,

There is a Federal 30% tax credit available. In Florida, there are also rebates, but these run out of funding… and then get refunded. You need to check with a local installer whether there is funding again. You can also check this website, as they keep track of it more consistently than we do. Don’t know about any grants, but if there are any, that same website will tell you about it.

Hope that helps.

Tom Atwood

Seven Months to get this answer!!!

Dear Mr. Atwood:

Thank you for contacting Governor Charlie Crist. The Governor appreciates your thoughts regarding the Solar Energy System Incentives Program and asked that the Governor’s Energy Office respond.

Recently, Governor Crist recommended that $10 million be appropriated to the Solar Energy System Incentives Program, in his proposal for Florida’s budget for 2010-2011 fiscal year. Solar energy will play a critical role in the State’s increasingly diverse energy portfolio and Governor Crist remains committed to growing Florida’s market for renewable energy.

By way of background, the Solar Rebate Program is very popular and successful. Due to the large volume of rebate applications, the state has exhausted the available funding. Solar energy system rebates are issued by the Commission pursuant to Sections 377-801-377.806, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 27N-1, Florida Administrative Code, contingent upon an annual appropriation by the Legislature of the State of Florida for the specific purpose of funding solar rebates. The Commission, in accordance with direction from the Governor and/or Legislature, shall be the final determiner of the availability of any funds. Rebates can only be issued if funding is available, and the requirements of Sections 377-801-377.806, Florida Statutes and Chapter 27N-1, Florida Administrative Code, are met. The Solar Energy Systems Incentives Program is slated to sunset in FY2010 (See, Section 377.806, Florida Statute). The State will continue to accept applications until June 30, 2010 and place them on a waiting list in the event that additional funding becomes available.

Additionally as a concerned citizen, you have the opportunity to influence legislation by contacting your local legislative delegation. If you do not know who your senator or representative is, you can access that information at http://www.leg.state.fl.us/.

Thank you again for contacting Governor Crist. The people of Florida play an integral and vital role in achieving the state’s energy goals. For more information on Florida’s energy programs please visit http://www.myfloridaclimate.com.

Sincerely,

Governor’s Energy Office
________________________________________
From: Tom Atwood [mailto:tom@solarindependence.biz]
Sent: Wednesday, August 26, 2009 9:46 AM
To: Energy
Subject: Solar Rebates
Importance: High

Sirs,
With all the new green incentives in place and the climate as it is in Florida which is perfect for Solar!.
We have started a Solar Business, http://solarindependence.biz, Solar Independence LLC.

We only use Master Electricians with years of experience and a wealth of information on installs.

But we have ran into a snag with customers and all the publicity about the state being out of
money to fund the rebate program for residential customers. Potential customers have become
just that “Potential Customers” because they are worried that if they install a system they will
never get the rebates.

Should this be a concern and how do we approach this? Will the rebate program be funded for
the future?

Here is an excerpt from your page.

“SOLAR REBATE PROGRAM IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Current Backlog of Processed Solar Rebate Applications, as of January 29, 2009: $7.3 million

The State of Florida submitted an application for the SEP on May 12, 2009, to the U.S. Department of Energy.
This application included an appropriation of $5 million for the Solar Rebate Program and has been approved.
In addition, the State submitted an application on June 25, 2009 for the EECBG.
This application included an appropriation of $9.4 million for the Solar Rebate Program.”

If customers do install a system and present an application before the end date of the program will they
get their rebate?

We appreciate your time and effort for a response that we can give to our customer.

Thank You,

Solar Independence LLC
Free Power For Your Future!

Zubin

How do we handle the tax basis of the system cost if we finance the project in partnership with the local utility?

35% was payable by customer to the contractor upon installation.

65% was financed through a partnership offered by the local utility wtih loan repayment over 48 months.

we installed mid year and made 6 loan payments, totaling about 8% of the total cost.

Should our system cost per tax return be the full 100%, or just the cash basis of 43% as what was paid during 2009?

If the latter then do we treat the residual payments as if it was a carryover or a subsequent investment in years 2 and 3?

Thank you,
A confused Residential Customer

Tor a.k.a. "Solar Fred"

This is a unique situation, Zubin. I really think the only way to get an answer is to ask guidance from your utility. You shouldn’t be the only one asking this question.

M

Florida House Senate passed a bill called PACE
http://www.flaseia.org/PressReleaseNews/Press/PACE%20Committee%20PR.pdf

It allows each city to pass bonds to support solar energy. As much as I want to see incentives for solar energy I’m afraid that this economy will stifle funding for future rebate incentives. I really don’t want to see Florida bankrupt by giving away money we don’t have!
Think about it, if your friends, sons or daughters asks for money you don’t have except using your credit cards to finance whatever, and you don’t have enough revenue from your job to replenish the bank, you go bankrupt.
Our State legislators need to pass RPS (Renewable Portfolio Standards) this will bring in investors to build solar farming and REC’s would be worth lots of mullah! Florida then could tax the REC’s thus having additional revenue. Municipalities could install solar farms and benefit from PPA’s and REC’s thus saving and making money. But we have the Energy logiest who don’t want revenue taken away from their constituents. Greed!

Paul

Please update this page to reflect the current situation in Florida, as of 4/30/2010. Not only are there no funds available moving forward in the current program, the State Rebate program altogether will cease to exist on 7/1/2010. People who were expecting to receive PV rebate money from the State of Florida totaling over $25 million will not receive the promised funding.

don

dear paul, how do you know? don

Brian

To all concerned, I just now spoke with Hannah in the Governor’s office. She informed me that there would be NO FURTHER rebates granted unless more funding became available. No further funding is anticipated at this time. Anyone whose application has been waiting (as has mine)in the queue for funding are out of luck! Write your legislators NOW!

Carl

What additional alternative energy activities is the state of Florida considering besides solar energy? I sent some time at an Atlatic Ocean beach recently and was amazed at the amount of energy being provided by the winds and the tides. Needless to say, none of the energy was being used except by a few para surfers using the winds to give them entertainment and exercise. I really feel that we need to be proactive and use these super natural resources that are currently not being used. Only an opinion, I am not an engineer, but I am sure the amount of wind and tidal energy lost at Ormond Beach could provide energy could provide electricty for many of the homes and businesses in the area. Please write, call, email, text city and state officials representing coastal Florida cities and towns to utilize theses unused natural resources.

Alvie

I live here in Fl and i would love to have solar in my home. But my problem is that i’m a 100% disabled vet. I dont have any taxes to pay so the 30% tax credit dose not help me.Why dont they come up with something that will help the disabled. It sure would help.. thsnks

Kathy Hersh

I heard recently of a program in California which rents the solar panels and maintains them and the customers pay the rent as part of their monthly bill. Even with the rent added, the payments are lower because of the energy savings. How can we make this happen in Florida?

Larry

I put solar panels on my roof last year only to find that when I filed with the state the rebate fund was empty and has not been funded in the 2010 budget. If the state does not put funds back into the program I am on the hook for over $34k instead of the $6k I was told to plan on. I understand I have company, about 7,000 other Floridians who went green, believed what they were told, filed within the stated time frame for the rebate and now are in the same boat I am. Now what?

Ken

FLORIDA IS NOT PAYING THE $500 REBATE. I put may solar Hot Water system in last November. I just call the Governers office and they said the program ran out of money and it is not a “garrunteed rebate”. I had to pry it of of him that I wasn’t going to get paid. I will never trust the State again

Glen Parker

I’m another Floridian who installed a system in May 2009 on the belief that a rebate was available. I’m on the hook for almost $40,000. My rebate is Approved, but with no funds in 2010, and nothing apparent on the horizon, I’m not sure what to do. Write your representatives and let them know of the lurch you are in.

For now, DO NOT buy solar in Florida expecting a rebate. If anyone tells you about a Florida rebate in 2010, they are wrong.

Jonathan Lee

Glen and the rest, I am in the same boat. I have a $20,000 rebate that I am waiting on. We need to write to our legislators to get them to act. Floridians need to be able to trust their government, especially when we are making large investments to protect our future. If you go to http://www.dotherightthingflorida.com there is a group that has broken down the state rebate by Senator/Representative. They have mailed out letters to each congressman on our behalf. check it out and sign up, there’s strength in numbers! If Floridians lose trust in our government with this rebate program, and all the solar contractors leave the state or find other jobs, there is little hope for solar for Florida in the near future. We need to act now and call for a special session (there is talk of this already) or some other form of action to fund the backlog and move the program forward.

Burkhard Klein

In regards to the Florida Solar Rebate I would like to express my disappointment in the lack of funding at this time. These Rebates were heavily advertised in the state by the state and companies that install renewable energy systems. In the name of job growth, future investment in renewable energy sources, independence from oil, be it from the President, or Governor, this program was intended to do good and to entice to the inhabitants of the Sunshine State to use their sunshine for a better environment.

Lack of attention and quick action of the legislature will halt any movement in the preservation, kill the jobs that were created and unfairly disadvantage individuals and entities that were invited to invest in renewable energy and are waiting now for rebate funding since the end of 2009. Realizing that the State and Country are fighting a debt crisis (as well as all its citizens), a promise is a promise and it is unfair to reap the benefit by starting something and then let it die senselessly.

My family has invested $45,000 in renewable energy in 2009 and beginning of 2010, has applied for rebates, and been placed on a long waiting list that is lacking any evidence that funding will be made available in the future. Maybe it’s time to move out of Florida and find a place where people do what they say. I will be contacting the legislature to get feedback on this issue and guarantee that many Floridians that are trying to do the right thing are with me on this. LETS ORGANIZE AND CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVES IN THIS MATTER

P

To those of you waiting on your FL rebate, I do hope you get it. But at the same time, you should have been more careful in your decision making. I too “almost” took the plunge and got an expensive solar pv package. BUT, I read the fine print. The state was being upfront in that the rebate was NOT guaranteed. They never promised the rebate or guaranteed it. They’ve never promised or guaranteed refunding. It was on their website for all to see. I did my research. By last September, it was already evident that the program was very popular and running out of money. Personally, I think the pv rebate was a bit “too” generous. I could easily tell back then, I would be gambling on the rebate. I based my decision making and pay back period on no rebate getting fulfilled and just 30% off the total amount. I wonder how many people that are still on the hook for the rebate never bothered to check with the state and simply took their solar “salesman” for their word. Every single solar company I called regarding the rebate was not completely honest regarding the rebate. Only when I pressed hard, did they admit that the rebate was not guaranteed. But none offered that info upfront. Some even did terrible tax math. The federal tax credit is on the amount AFTER you discount the florida rebate. ALL OF THEM, every single one, was confident in their belief that more funding would be supplied and to not worry. Who knows, maybe more funding will be supplied. But will enough funding be supplied to take care of every single last person on the list?

For those of you that truly understood and knew the rebate was not guaranteed and went ahead anyways, you knowingly gambled. Only time will tell if you win or loose. You didn’t do anything. The state has NOT done anything wrong either.

For those of you that did NOT know, you need to learn that unfortunately you can never trust salespeople and you need to research stuff yourself.

I wish the best to all of you, and good luck!

Colin B Mckinney

Colin. If you scroll all the way to the top you will see my post after I put in Thermal water heater. Prices have dropped A LOT since then. I know I have paid for the water heater by now. I just put in 3.22 Kw voltaic, the website I put together (http://sites.google.com/site/solarmation/) was to share anything I could to help others do the same.

Installed prices seem to be around $8 per watt; I performed the installation myself – except for the Master electrician – for $3.9 per watt. Still will take some time to recoup, but that is not why I put in solar (or the thermal water heater 3 years ago for that matter). Almost 100% of the people that ask about my solar install ask how long the payback is. I ask them how many years before the income from their flat screen TV, in-ground swimming pool, or boat pays for it!

The permit was probably the hardest – as there was not a lot of information on what was needed, and some confusion that the FSEC needed to approve my design. I put all the documents I eventually turned in on my site. Permit is important – as utility will not put a meter in without it.

Frankly, I did this myself because I could not afford to do it otherwise. If cost is the only thing holding you up, look into doing it yourself – you then become the contractor, and you sub-contract out any parts you are not comfortable with. Master electrician is a requirement, but a roofer may be needed as well.

Remember – components are tax free, tax refund is 30% of total cost, power generated EVERY month will add up. And, we do not know if REC, feed-in-tariffs, or state funding may come in the future. If you are on this site – you want to do it – it WILL pay for itself eventually anyway, and when you drive around in your Leaf, Volt, or other EV and you are asked how much it cost to run – say “nothing, I have a filling station on my roof!”

Greg Parker

Hi i do not know why solar cost so much the material cost about $4 bucks a watt they want $9 bucks a watt installed. 4x 5000 watts = 20.000 9×5000watts= 45.000 thats 25.000 to install sounds like too much to me

J

For those wondering about a solar water heater vrs a on-demand water heater (tankless is a misnomer here), there’s no reason you can’t pair the two. Have a solar water heater tank feed into the on-demand system, and it will reduce the cost of the on-demand system, because it will not have to work as hard to heat already warmed water.

This is why I prefer to use on-demand instead of tankless for naming such systems; tankless makes you think you can’t have a tank feeding it!

Asenath

Are you for real? “Wanna”? I thought this was a legitimate site!

Dan Hahn

Yes, we are a legitimate site Asenath, why you wanna hate on us just for using language which actually comes out of people’s mouths?

Mary

I live in Pensacola and the costs for a complete turn key system here is around $5$6 per watt depending on size. Thats the complete cost installed by a solar contractor. No hidden costs. If your paying $9 8 or $7 you are being ripped.

Mark

I live in Orlando. I’m now just starting my research on Solar Power for my home. does anyone have a site that can give me information for someone local to install a system on my house that won’t rip me off?

manny

watch out for scams in sarasota solar business!

Abner

This may be to late. I hope not. I am having a solar hot water heater system put in today (11/23/2010).
The cost is $6500 installed. I was told on a $170 monthly bill I would see a drop of $70 a month. Yet I keep on reading that this may not be real.
Pls help

P

Abner – Does your current water heater have an energy usage chart on it about the estimated yearly cost? If so, look at that, adjust for your current electric rate, divide by 12, and that’s a good starting point.

But ultimately it depends on how many people are showering and when they shower, morning or evening. If most shower in the evening, then the backup element will be working away at night to heat the water back up and you might not see the most in savings. That’s how we are. So I just turned off the backup heater breaker. I’m in Central FL, and the electric heater element has been off for the past 8 months and we’ve had super hot water (hotter than before). Only in the past few weeks have I had to turn the backup element on.

I’m thinking of putting a 220v timer on the backup element circuit so that it only runs in the afternoon if the water isn’t hot enough by then.

deepsea driller

Hello All, great site!…Next week I am installing a 4.6 Kw monocrystaline panel grid tie-in system. Total cost for all components is juat at $16,000 for a DYI as myself in Rhode Island. with Fed rebate the price drops 30%…As one of the contributors wrote..”I don’t ask about the payback of my flat panel TV” I am of the same mind set. I say it’s a nice high being energy effiecient!
FYI;I own a small subsea wellcontrol oilfield engineering firm I am of teh opinion that oil and gas will not get cheaper in the future.

JP

For the past 3 days, I have thrown myself into learning as much as I could about solar with the hopes of making the jump.

Here are what I’ve learned and I am confused:

I found a website that analyzed a 4KW grid-tied installation in NY. It used equipment (complete kits) from affordablesolar.com claiming $2-$3 per Watt (total of $14,063). Installation was assumed at 35 man hours at $140/hr; or $4900. All these numbers are BEFORE any rebate and tax credit.

I visited affordablesolar.com, and sizing a system for my home (5KW – 5.5KW), it came up with two systems (kits) in the $3-$3.36 per Watt range, totaling between $16,900 to $18,000. Now imagine my excitement when I found out FL was refunding $4 per Watt!! I had to breathe in a paper bag. That made the system FREE!!!! (of course, then I read about the program being dead and/or not funded)

Now, to the installation cost. What I read in this site, does not match what I posted in my previous paragraph. IF the installation takes 35 hours; and the going rate in NY is ~$140/hr (what a specialist in the medical field makes); how in the world could be the same or more in FL? Can someone explain?

Finally, I have natural gas water heating in my home. But out of curiosity; how can solar water heating work (in FL or anywhere else for that matter) when the sun goes down at 8PM, and I take a shower 10 hours later at 6AM? Don’t solar water heaters work when most homes are not using hot water?

Thank you, and great site

P

I can’t help explain solar pv installation costs. $140/hr seems way high though. IMO, Solar PV is the last option. I’d foam my attic before going PV.

As for the solar hot water question, the answer is that the water is still hot in the tank. You’d be amazed how well insulated those tanks are and how long they store heat. I have a solar hot water heater and believe me, that water is still hot the next morning. AND with the electric breaker off to the backup element! Now in the winter months, I have turned the backup element back on as cloudy/rainy days don’t allow the panels to heat up that much. I’m in central FL, today it’s sunny, it’s 50 out right now, and the controller is telling me the panels are already up to 100. In the summer, even on cloudy days, I was still getting a lot of heat out of the panels.

JP

Thank you P; I have read that new water tanks are much better insulated; but I could not believe thay would keep the water hot for over 10 hours.

With regards to the installation. This is really a deal breaker; the systems are really coming down in price; but the installation is really high. And to qualify for rebates/credits, it needs to be done by a certified installer. Something is out of whack.

Robert Brill

They say misery loves company but I believe its time to up the game. I put out almost 39,000.00 for my solar panels and water heater panel. I would not have done this if not for the State of Florida’s written contractual agreement to pay back what they promised. I want to find a high profile lawyer who would handle a class action suit against the State of Florida ,Ex-govenor Crist and whoever else is responsible for making promises they can’t keep and getting thousands of people to go out on a limb in good faith. Its time for the state to be responsible like they expect us to be.

Tim Blodgett

Well, I’ve had my 5K system for a year. Here’s a summary. 5K PV system, solar world 230 panels & solaris inverter($43K), solar hot water($5K) set to 160 back-up 120, Dual pane vinyl low-e replacement windows($5k), 1800 sq ft house, reflective life-time shingles to roof($13k), 18.5 SEER heat pump ($5K),Capacitor box(doesn’t really appear to do anything but act as a surge suppressor)($300.00) Add zone heating ($1.8K), 25watt roof vent +additional venting($650.00), converting all lighting to LED. Home equity loan $68K @ 6.25%. After rebates I’m paying $333/month in interest. FL State owes $20.5K not paid as of 1/19/11. Previous usage 2000-2100kw/month avg, $275/mth progress energy average. Now: PV generates 8100kw/year. 2000kw goes back to progress energy annually in Febuary under net metering, I expect a check or credit for less than $275. Monthly bills from $10-110/month. $30-50 in summer, $60-127 in winter, less in fall. My lowest energy bill cost less than the fees and taxes. If you add it all together I’m paying more for interest than I was for energy per year. About a couple hundred bucks. I doubt I will break even in 9 years as I was sold on by the sales people. My effort is the envy of the neighborhood, but being on a fixed income I’d trade it all for an honest politician. You want to help the solar industry? Write your politicians and tell them to allow home owners to fund a system with their 401k or IRA without a tax penalty. Then things will happen. And regulate the price guaging installers. A 5k PV system should cost about $23K not 43k like I paid. A hot water system about $4.5-6k for 1-2 panels or 1-2 80 gallon tanks.

Tim Blodgett

Oh, to answer some previous posts, I live in Florida, 10 people installed my system in 1 day, 4 watched including the electrician & a potential buyer, Solar hot water is set high and loses its heat at a rate just less than 2 degrees per hour, thus 160 at 7 pm is about 140-146 by 7 am the next day and you will definitely know if it was cloudy the day before. Hospital heating pads are set at 105 to prevent skin damage, Scalding occurs at 140. It takes the back-up about an hour to reheat a tank instead of 10-15 minutes. Why? 40-60 gallon tank with 2 4500watt elements are now 80 gallons with 1 4500watt element. Hope this is helpful.

Pat

For a 2 4×8 panel, 120 gallon hot water system, a solar telemarketting firm initially wanted $10k!!!! Another local installer wanted to install a closed loop german system for $12k!!! Telemarketting firm finally came down to $7.5k.

Finally found somebody that would install a 2 panel 120 gallon hot water system for $6k. The parts alone run just under $4k.

Depending on how far you mount your panels from your tank, you might also need a few hundred in copper (mine were far away). Then there are different quality controllers, goldline (no display), or what I got, stecca (with a display). Two people “should” be able to install in about a day. Beware solar hot water installers that try to sell you plastic panels built for heating pools. The ones for heating home water are much heavier and made of copper.

One note for florida residents south of ocala with open loop systems in mild freeze zones, beware freeze damage!!! Lots of systems are installed very poorly, no freeze valves, freeze recirculation feature off (or they’re using a solar pv pump), copper lines not insulated, temp probe installed poorly or on wrong side etc. Watch out!!! Everybody says these systems can withstand mild freezes but that’s only when PROPERLY installed. And even then, watch out!!! These panels can freeze and burst!!!

I almost went solar pv. I was quoted 25k for a 5kw system. But I decided to wait since I didn’t think the FL money was going to come through.

christine

I am an American living in a third world country. I have been an expat for several years, helping others. All of you people who are worried about air conditioning and pool heaters- it is really quite sickening especially since the USA greedily consumes more than half of the entire earth’s resources while there are poor people here starving with no where to live. INSTALL SOLAR ENERGY NOW- fossil fuel will not be available. Trust me on this because I have been to many countries without the “First World American Blinders” on…I know the reality outside the USA. We are PAST the time for clean energy. Don’t you think the USA has exploited enough people in order to have their luxury lifestyle??? Believe it or not, there are people who have never had air conditioning, or a heated pool- or electricity for that matter. You people have the responsibility to just suck it up and pay whatever the cost is to get clean energy and stop exploitation of other nations! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

Brian

In response to “P” who finds the state blameless in the rebate debacle, you are correct that there was no “guarantee” of a rebate. But those of us who expected honesty and integrity from our elected officials were hoodwinked. The salesmen weren’t the only ones giving us (false) assurances. They were confidant of the rebate because there were representatives elected based on this very topic. It was to be a top priority with several members of congress who then voted NOT to fund the program. Instead, they diverted what funds were available to fund projects by huge energy companies like FP&L. That is, in my book corruption.
Before you condemn those of us who put our faith in the system, do a little background research on the topic.

allthatwhichis

Greetings,

Should the information on the big rebates available in Florida be removed since there is no more money available? Or at lest updated so those of us a bit behind on things don’t have to read every comment from 2007 to 2009 to find this out. Got my hopes up for a good hour…

Have a sunny day!

allthat…

Derek

^ I am with allthatwhichis. I was searching and found the Solar Energy Systems Incentive Program that has no more available funding, which is very misleading.

I am starting up a photovoltaic system for running live sound reinforcement system for festivals, parades. Looking for local/government incentives in Tallahassee/FL area. Speaker system runs 2-5kW, looking to spend $20-40k (provided sufficient funding)

Any suggestions on available resources? Thanks to all for compiling this helpful information

Derek

patrick

Well, I may be able to share a ray of hope and say that is my understanding that new funds have been approved as of November 2010 to fund the solar rebate program! Yea! Checks are due to be written between ’spring and late fall.’ lol We will see, lets keep our fingers crossed. I got this information from the office of Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos. Not everybody on the list will be able to be paid. I filed my rebate January 2009 and so, i’m fairly high on the list. I don’t know how much money has been allocated, i’m glad for any information that anybody has.
Patrick

patrick

Well, I may be able to share a ray of hope and say that is my understanding that new funds have been approved as of November 2010 to fund the solar rebate program! Yea! Checks are due to be written between ’spring and late fall.’ lol We will see, lets keep our fingers crossed. I got this information from the office of Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos. Not everybody on the list will be able to be paid. I filed my rebate January 2009 and so, i’m fairly high on the list. I don’t know how much money has been allocated, i’m glad for any information that anybody has.
Patrick
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact
Nov. 16, 2010 Bruce Kershner 407-339-2010

Solar industries group praises rebate program funding

Lawmakers acted swiftly in reducing consumer backlog

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida’s leading solar energy industry group today praised lawmakers for
reinstating payments to consumers who purchased solar energy equipment under a popular statewide
rebate program.

In these difficult economic times, lawmakers voted to use federal stimulus funding to provide rebates to
commercial and residential consumers who purchased energy-efficient air conditioning units and solar
panels under Florida energy incentive programs. For more than a year, thousands of hard-working
Floridians have been waiting for solar rebates promised to them before the popular program ran out of
money.

The Florida Solar Energy Industries Association (FlaSEIA) applauded leaders of the House and Senate for
including the rebates on their list of priority items during Tuesday’s special session. Lawmakers voted to
reinstate funding just hours after they were sworn into office.

“We applaud Senate President Mike Haridopolos and House Speaker Dean Cannon for recognizing the
importance of these rebates to thousands of Florida consumers,’’ said Bruce Kershner, executive
director of FlaSEIA.

“The approach taken by the Legislature spreads limited resources across a wider number of consumers,”
Kershner said.

FlaSEIA is the leading voice for contractors, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers that provide solar
water heating and solar electric systems for tens of thousands of consumers across the state.

FlaSEIA remains concerned that consumers are properly informed of the savings and benefits of
purchasing and installing solar energy equipment. FlaSEIA encourages consumers to check its website
(www.flaseia.org) to obtain a list of properly licensed contractors, manufacturers, distributors, and
retailers who meet the high ethical standards required of its members.
http://www.flaseia.org/

patrick

http://www.flaseia.org/

P

In response to “Brian”, I wouldn’t say the state is blameless. IMO, they could have done more to warn people. I was just trying to clear up that they never guaranteed it and they were up front about it. I wasn’t “condemning” people either. I just didn’t think it was right for some people to condemn the state for rebates it never guaranteed. T

It’s not the state’s fault that over zealous sale people oversold the rebate on high hopes.

I would blame the state for a poorly implemented rebate system though. IMO, either you guarantee all the rebates no matter how many, or you make sure that you can process the rebates as they come in ASAP and if necesary terminate the program early, or you have a pre rebate signup to get your funds allocated.

As for politicians, since when can anybody ever trust what a politician says? Making a financial decision based on something a politician promises is again, just a gamble they’ll keep their word. As for corruption, etc, well, not going to go there. Times change. The economy changed. Politicians flip flop all the time and I’m sure they’d argue that the ecomony just forced the hand and they had to make different decisions.

SolarSanity

When the cost of a solar system gets affordable without government rebates, then it makes sense. Florida and the Feds should cut it out! That money is coming from the pockets of the taxpayers, not from some “daddy” in the government. These types of programs are why governments all across the country are fiscally unsound.

Dinkar B. Koppikar

I should say that Florida Solar power rebate program is a fraud. I put 8.6 kw system on my roof in January 2010 and put in my application for rebate on March 16, 2010. I am still waiting for rebate check. I believe these programs are manipulated in such a way that only certain favored persons get fat rebate checks and the rest only false assurances. Don’t tell me lies. I am not going to be fooled.

Gary

my application was recieved by the state on 10/22/2009…. i’ve seen nada!

I talked to them in January 2011 and was told the HVAC rebates had to be paid first, PV rebates(partial payment) would go out by March… I’m going to call again this week as March is here but the check isn’t

JP

@SolarSanity – Agree. Government should subsidized the manufactures like it does coal, gas, and utilities. In this manner the subsidies would be hidden (like in the mentioned industries) and idiots like you would be quiet.

Solman17

Gary,

Please share what you find out about the ETA of the checks. The rebate program has been part of an evolutionary process to give our country a large portion of our energy portfolio from clean, renewable energy. If you follow the development of solar around the world you will see that other countries have worked through similar problems, but the results have been very good. In Europe now there is more energy coming from solar than from dirty coal. Over there, solar provides almost 20% of electrical energy, and solar has been so successful in meeting their energy needs and creating jobs that they are now pushing for nearly 100% by 2050. China also has huge growth in solar. Some of us in Florida have had to be patient and make sacrifices. Yet, most of us did not go into solar strictly to make a dollar. Yes, the rebate program was made hastily and did not incorporate things learned from the European experience which was certainly not perfect either. Those of us who have the privilege to be watching our meters turning backwards will not begrudge the lucky ones that got the full rebate. As a cautious buyer I was fully aware the state program could run out of money and made my plans accordingly. As it turns out we all are getting a generous 30% federal tax credit for our purchases. Our energy costs are fixed while others will soon be facing higher costs as expensive nuclear plants are built and natural gas prices recover their higher price. I never expected a windfall profit out of the state rebate even if I did get one, but if we keep in mind that our ROI investment over the 25-30 year life of the system is still better than most CDs available now then we should be content that we could help lead the way for renewable energy in our state and still get a modest return. For those complaining that the taxpayers should not be paying for solar tax credits and rebates we should remember that if all energy sources have subsidies dropped and have to pay for the environmental damages they cause for us, our children and future generations then solar, the clean energy direct from the sun is always the best deal.

Gary

So I called the Governors office today and seems like fairly good news. The lady told me that many of the HVAC rebates were denied and that money goes back in the pot to pay the outstanding solar rebates. I was expecting about half of the $20500 they owe me, but I was told I would get a total of $19,200 as my prorated amount ( $18700 for PV and $500 for water … very happy about that) She also said checks must be sent before the end of the financial year June 30th or there would be a tonne of paperwork for them.

Of course I don’t actually have a check yet, but the best news so far.

It seems they might want to do a new program of some sort, which would be difficult to premote if they don’t make good on the last one.

Gary

Richard

Thanks for the post Gary. I just called the energy office yesterday and got a different response. I missed the payout by 8 weeks since my application was approved in august 2009. They told me that checks would be cut in late summer or early fall and would be about half of what is owed. I am owed about $40K for two 5KW PV solar systems. Here is my concern.

The statue of limitation on a lawsuit is 2 years. If they wait until august 2011 and pay me half then I may not be able to sue for the other half. Since rebates are to be paid in the order received if funds are available then I should get the full amount. Since approximately $30 million was available at the time of my approved application then myself along with everyone from about June 2009 to January 2010 would deplete the remaining funds. The rest of the applications from about Feb 2010 to June 2010 would then be out of money.

What I did not understand is why they held on to the money that the federal gov gave them. They got about $78 million but kept $30 million of it. Why the delay. Then I got some hope when a decision was to be made in nov 2010. The word out was rebates would be paid in jan 2011 at beginning of year but spread out across all waiting with only half the payout. Then after calling again in january 2011 the story changed to march or april 2011. Now another call and the date has moved to late summer or early fall and only after they looked up my approved application date.

So beware. The state may be waiting for the 2 year statue so lawsuits can not be accepted. I hope I am wrong but I can not see how the state could win if they clearly made the statement “refunds would be paid in the order received if funds are available”. No one would have installed a solar PV system without a rebate coming. The state of Florida is rapidly lossing trust to it’s residences. How can we believe anything they offer in the future.

Gary

That they have changed their story again is very worrying… the explanation given me was that they had to deal with the HVAC rebates first so the correct amounts could be calculated. The lady insisted they had to have it all done by the end of the financial year which is rapidly approaching.

I will call again this week.

Gary

Pstreicher

I’m glad to have found this forum on solar energy. I am so interested in doing this but I have some serious calculations to look at. Yes, we’ve seen all the calulations no what 25 years can do. But, what about the added benefit of the solar panels shielding the house from the sun and thus saving on electric for air conditioning here in Florida? Has anyone figured that in? I’ve not seen it anywhere. I would think that this would move more people to make the investment if proof were given to show the ROI would be years less. Anyone care to give it a try?

Solman17

Latest I got from Governor’s office was that it would be late fall or winter before payments due to problems encountered with a few of the applications. Since the remaining proceeds are to be fairly prorated to all applicants the application approval must be complete before making the final calculations. I now understand the rebate will be closer to 50-60%. That is still enough to make the ROI favorable. If it is not a windfall profit we can be content to get a small return and still have our solar panels saving us money. Last month I sold 465 kwh excess to the utility company. My bill was $0.75. Not bad.

Billy Fuller

well I have Read all of the post on here about florida,s Rebate money comeing late, But Folks cheer up it could Be worse, you could be like us up here in south alabama we dont have anything we dont pay for and it dont seem like we are going to get anything ,But we are trying to get something going ,these co-op,s Realy suck ,s But solar Realy works ,——-Bill

Joe

I think a flood of e-mails to all the Senators, reprenentatives and committee chairman would be in order. Is there a complete listing of all email addresses for all these people – the interest level with our government on the solar rebate program has to be revived.

Solman17

Billy, I feel your pain. Some of the cooperatives that are part of the Touchstone group in Alabama do not have net metering or have something they claim is net metering which is not. Why do they drag their feet when solar helps all members of the cooperative. They give a lot of excuses. None of them are well thought out or rationale. Start calling and writing them to protest. Write the public service commission. Cut your electricity usage to the bone and install all gas appliances and go solar with a battery backup system. The coops use your money to lobby against the Clean Air Act and pro nuclear. Who needs them?

William McNeely

I installed a 4kw solar pv system on my home in Ft. Pierce Florida last summer after signing a net metering agreement with FPUA but 4 days later they pulled my meter – installed a digital and now pay 4 cents per kw & charge me 12 cents for night electric consumpsion. I have spoken up at meetings and recieved some good press but nothing is changing. Any ideas??? Tranzen@bellsouth.net

Tim Blodgett

To Pstreicher,
The issue of shade savings from roof mounted solar panels is negligible. Almost all roof venting in Florida homes is grossly inefficient to relieve the 160-180 degree heat build up of a typical Florida attic in summer. Thus, even if you shade 1/2 of the roof area, the heat build up from other areas will quickly fill the space until it vents…ineffectively to the outside. The only exception is if your home is completely shaded by a tree. I put reflective shingles on my roof(a 30% heat reduction) prior to the panel installation and increased the ventilation by 1500%(an estimated 20-25% heat reduction) and I added a 25 watt solar powered roof vent(another supposed 30% heat reduction) that turns on at 85 degrees. I must admit the garage is much cooler in the summer. Adding the caulking, LED lighting, smart switches, double pane vinyl replacement windows, 18.5 seer heat pump, high efficiency pool pump & solar hot water heater…my last bill was $43, half of which was fees. My average bill was $275/mth. I saved $232 and paid the Bank $334 in interest on the home equity line of credit I used to fiance all the improvements. Net cost(not savings) of converting to solar was $102 for the month of April. A low consumption month. I feel like in order to save the whales I have to kill the seals. The country is going broke, our various levels of government are moving to austerity meaning bare essentials not rebate programs and the Florida government likes the feel of money they haven’t had to distribute to a select group of people who have been vilified by the Legislature through the media as “greedy rich people”. Apparently this includes me. Makes me want to give back my next disability check and go on welfare so I can get a raise. My advise is if you don’t have the cash in hand, don’t buy it. The ROI is not what the salesmen promise and the State of Florida’s agenda does not include your best interest. Good luck.

Bill D.

I am one of 13,000 consumers in Florida who HAS NOT BEEN PAID the Solar rebate of $20,000 by the FEC, YES they infact commited FRAUD! Florida received $126 Million from the recovery act April 2010, to be used for GREEN ENERGY, THAT gave them the FUNDS to pay the $54 Million they owed for Rebates. The Federal Government Audited the state and found MIS-USE, MIS- ALLOCATION of funds.(OAS-RA-10-12 Audit) They have since allocated $31Million for Energy rebates at emergency session NOVEMBER 16/17th 2010. That left a short fall of $23 Million. They CHANGED the florida statute at that session to read ,they would pay all HVAC rebates FIRST, and pay the LEFTOVERS (SOLAR) the remainder (ABOUT HALF)of the $20,000 rebates and (THE REST WILL DISAPPEAR)They have paid the HVAC rebates $1500)in full 100%! The original statute (377.806) said FIRST COME FIRST SERVE! I would like to start a class action suit against the state, if you feel the same ,please Email me at cobraguy2@verizon.net! There are 13,000 of us, that should be enough to get it done! Thank You!

Mary

Got a call from Florida Energy office that my rebate had been approved. They were going to pay 50% of rebate and I should have the check by Christmas 2011. I applied late August 2009.

Gary

I’m in. That HVAC payout was really annoying. Their last little scam of saying we needed to submit interconnect statements by the 15th of Aug or we don’t qualify is also an attempt to defraud us. It didn’t work as Progress energy re-sent the forms the next day! They apparently already had sent the form when the State first requested them back in April.

Now they are saying, after Bill Nelson contacted them and made them call me, I should only expect 45% of what they owe. I’m pissed!

Gary

As a side note Senator Nelson has been very supportive of our case and has written me twice stating his position. I’m sure without his nudging the Energy Office would have ignored my calls.

I have just emailed his office with details of the lasted fiasco

JAMES T MARIANI

All of us on the solar waiting list somehow became “orphans” of the state’s energy programs. All of the other solar rebates were processed as promised and all applicants previous to us received their rebate in full. While we waited on the list, the state offered a new appliance rebate program. 17 million dollars went out to those who bought new energy star appliances. All of them were paid in full. The HVAC rebate program started soon after that, ended abruplty, but those who were on the list received their rebate as promised. Now some still sit on this solar waiting list expecting 1/2 of the original amount promised.

Tim Blodgett

Wake up people. You’ve been scammed by the State. The a/c program that was paid off before all those who are still waiting was done to cover the misappropriated funds that were taken from us by the Christ Administration to fund a rebate program to help his re-election campaign. He was caught but many of those who were part of it are still in power. The news media neglected to cover this, those who are still in power still control it and want it to go away. My rebate has gone from 3 months to 6 months to next year, to 85%, 65%, 50% and now 45%. Are you noticing a pattern here? Senator Nelson is an empty shell. He makes an empty speech, an empty policy statement, with an empty smile. If he gave a damn about the federal funds that are being used to cover state employee butts he’d hold their feet to the fire, demand accountability and get us our money. He won’t, he’s no better than the thieves in the State House who stole our money. When you get a chance, take a look at the new programs being offered by the utility companies. They are identical to the one we were tricked into believing in. Same program, different address, same results…a huge bureaucracy that stays in business by finding reasons to under fund the program, encourage people to join and withhold funds from the public who qualify. Don’t support Florida solar it is loaded with untrustworthy people who do not act in the public interest.
From one who learned the hard way.

Tim Blodgett

Wake up people. You’ve been scammed by the State. The a/c program that was paid off before all those who are still waiting was done to cover the misappropriated funds that were taken from us by the Christ Administration to fund a rebate program to help his re-election campaign. He was caught but many of those who were part of it are still in power. The news media neglected to cover this, those who are still in power still control it and want it to go away. My rebate has gone from 3 months to 6 months to next year, Spring, summer, Christmas, to 85%, 65%, 50% and now 45%. Are you noticing a pattern here? Senator Nelson is an empty shell. He makes an empty speech, an empty policy statement, with an empty smile. If he gave a damn about the federal funds that are being used to cover state employee butts he’d hold their feet to the fire, demand accountability and get us our money. He won’t, he’s no better than the thieves in the State House who stole our money. When you get a chance, take a look at the new programs being offered by the utility companies. They are identical to the one we were tricked into believing in. Same program, different address, same results…a huge bureaucracy that stays in business by finding reasons to under fund the program, encourage people to join and withhold funds from the public who qualify. Don’t support Florida solar it is loaded with untrustworthy people who do not act in the public interest.
From one who learned the hard way.

Sarah

Anybody in the forum or reading this have any experience with teco (tampa electric) ?

carol

I have been waiting for a rebate for my 8-09 installed solar hot water heater too long. Money ran out. Then I called the wk. it was approved by state officials. Not yet, they say early spring. I call every 2-3 months and get the runaround. Oh, you are on the list and we have your account. You’ll receive it in the spring 11, then early summer, then fall. I am tired and have been too patient. I call 800-490-2659 or 474-9504. They answered last time. Governor Scott’s energy office. GAG! I am ready to act with whomever else is feeling more aggressive about retrieving a refund.
Carol James

Colin

FPL just sent me a rebate check for the 2.76Kw I added. What a great deal – $2 a watt when solar panel prices are dropping to just over a $1.50 a watt. With Enphase micro inverters the price is finally getting “doable”.
I also put 3.22Kw on before the Florida state rebate program sunset. I have to be honest and say that I did not expect to get any Florida rebate. Judging by the quick depletion of funds – and the wording of the offer :
“the Governor’s Energy Office, will continue to accept and process applications until June 30, 2010, placing them on a waiting list in the event there are funding opportunities in the future.”
So for me I am happy to get the percentage; may even use some of it to squeeze a few more panels up there. I am adding solar (I put thermal hot water on first) with the thought that I am paying for it all. The arguments for and against incentives, tax rebates, and the argument that any technology that is worthwhile should not require help from the government (although Oil, Coal, mining, and agriculture ALL get tax money in one form or another) is moot as far as I am concerned. In a few years the cost should be within reach of big box stores (I saw Solar hot water at Home Depot today), and I do not mind being an early adopter – this technology is what I like. My initial ROI was decades – as I get tax returns, FPL rebates, and now a percentage of Florida rebate, it goes down – I should be under 5 years when all the dust settles.
My biggest return now is still watching the meter go backwards (it is digital – but the dashes switch direction) with the AC on! And I just ordered the Volt (lease – it is way too expensive, and way too early to buy it); so now I truly feel like I am sticking my finger in Hugo Chavez’s eye, and any other foreign country, greedy business men, or short sighted politician that keeps the US in a continuous deficit with imported oil.
And I am not against domestic oil, gas, coal, pig poop – bring it all on because there is no reason we should not be taking advantage of every source available to create jobs and increase productivity. The more domestic resources we have, and the more of us that put solar up, drive EV – the more gas will fall in price. You may not see it for awhile, but watch the Saudi’s, Iran, Iraq, etc – scramble to lower the price when it does start. It will be like everyone got a weekly raise – better than a stimulus any day!
If Florida ever gets into REC or SREC, or any similar plan I would add more, try to fit 10KW up there. Then ROI would be nothing, and you are looking at an investment. As it is though – I am not too worried about ROI, I truly do not feel like anyone owes me anything.

Sherrie Slaboda

I, too, applied for the rebate 12/2009 for a 5 Kw system. In april 2011 I received a letter requesting confirmation of my system. This had already been sent but I had it resent by FAX & by certified mail. As of today 10/1/11 I have heard nothing. Waiting, waiting. Oh, they gave me a number to call 850 487 3800. I’ll try the # Monday.

Rick

POSTED THIS MORNING on tampabay.com

Some Floridians who applied for solar energy rebates will get checks from the state this week.

Each of the 8,800 approved applicants will get a check for 52 percent of their request.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/energy/after-long-delay-state-to-send-out-partial-solar-rebate-checks/1195210

Tim Blodgett

I spoke with someone in authority at the Dept of Agriculture & this is the latest story; The State finally processed the money and they are saying the checks will equal about 52% of what you applied for. State approval means that the money can be obligated and released to the “printer” who physically prints the check. They said it’ll be about a week before you get it in the mail, i presume by certified mail. I almost believe them since the timing of the check release corresponds with the end of the fiscal year and that’s usually when extraordinary government money flows. We’ll see. Notice the media isn’t following this story.

P

The media is following this story. Just saw this on the nightly news the other night.

Mary

Check arrived today, October 11, 2011. Should I cash the check or hold out for rest of rebate. There is nothing in the letter or on the check that says “if cashed you are no longer entitled to remainder of rebate.”

Victoria Dieterle

I just got a check today for half the amount I was suppose to get. I am owed another $5000.00. I am concerned that if I cash this check I am accepting that this will be my only payment. Is anyone filing a class action lawsuit??

stephen mcewen

I just recieved about 52% of what i actually was sold by the state for 20,000.00. why my forms were the first few recieved by the state i feel the state still owes me the balance and interest on the funds paid and not paid. I would like to form a group to bring legal action against the state for misrepresentation and misapprpriation of federal funds.

Dave

I am waiting to hear about a class action lawsuit against the state. If anyone hears of anything, I hope you post it. 52% of the agreed upon rebate is not the aggreement I agreed too when I spent $39000 for a 5kw system. But what so they care, they don’t live in our world an if it is not money in their pockets, the state goverent does not care.

stephen mcewen

i have posted before i am looking to form a group to file for our remaining rebates due by the state of florida in feel they have misapropriated federal money. contact stephen_mcewen@yahoo.com

Carlton Myers

We are now in process of installing a solar panel array on our barn to provide power for the business and home. We just completed our solar hot water system. Now, we find the state has discontinued all incentive programs! My question is,”Why?” Do we no longer need to be conserving energy? Is Florida now saturated with home and small business solar installations and we no longer have a need for some assistance? I don’t think so. This is expensive stuff, and we could sure use some help!!
THANKS FOR LISTENING

Carlton Myers

We are now in process of installing a solar panel array on our barn to provide power for the business and home. We just completed our solar hot water system. Now, we find the state has discontinued all incentive programs! My question is,”Why?” Do we no longer need to be conserving energy? Is Florida now saturated with home and small business solar installations and we no longer have a need for some assistance? I don’t think so. This is expensive stuff, and we could sure use some help!!
THANKS FOR LISTENING ecarltonm@gmail.com