Discover the Power of Solar Energy in Florida!
Welcome to Florida, a state celebrated for its sun-drenched beaches, lush landscapes, and as a shining beacon in the solar energy sector. Known as the Sunshine State, Florida?s abundant sunlight offers a golden opportunity for solar power generation, making it a haven for homeowners and businesses looking to tap into clean, renewable energy. With favorable incentives aimed at minimizing initial investment costs and a community increasingly focused on sustainable living, Florida is primed to lead the charge in the solar revolution. Learn how leveraging Florida?s plentiful solar resources can illuminate your home, slash energy costs, and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment right here in your own backyard. Join us in capturing the sun?s endless energy and stepping into a brighter, more sustainable future in Florida.
Explore Your Rooftop's Solar Potential
Discover how much solar energy your rooftop can generate. Enter your address below:
Florida State Solar Incentives
Lakeland Electric - Residential Energy Efficiency Loan Program
Lakeland Electric provides zero-interest loans for customers to make energy efficiency upgrades, ranging from $500 to $5,000.
Florida Keys Electric Cooperative - Solar Loan Program
FKEC offers loans for the purchase and installation of grid-tied DER systems to qualified residential and commercial customers.
Miami-Dade County - Solar System Permitting
Solar PV projects in Miami-Dade require a building permit application, electrical fee sheet, and project plans. Paper submissions incur conversion fees.
Hillsborough County - Solar and Wind Standards
Hillsborough County's Land Development Code details guidelines for solar and wind energy facilities, including lot size, setback, height, and noise restrictions.
Broward County - Rooftop Solar System Permit Standard
Broward County ordinance encourages installation of rooftop photovoltaic solar systems, with no regulations prohibiting their use on residential or commercial buildings.
Property Tax Abatement for Renewable Energy Property
Florida offers 100% property tax exemption for residential renewable energy properties, and an 80% abatement for non-residential. The scheme includes solar, wind, and geothermal systems.
Broward County Online Solar Permitting
Broward County introduces Go SOLAR Online Permitting for easy residential and commercial solar panel installation. Pre-approved designs simplify the process.
Florida Keys Electric Cooperative - Residential Rebate Program
Florida Keys Electric Cooperative provides rebates to residential members who install energy-efficient measures after a free home energy audit.
City of Lauderhill - Revolving Loan Program
Lauderhill offers interest-free loans for EnergyStar appliances through a municipal program. Loans range from $400-$2000 with 1-2 year repayment plans.
Fort Pierce Utilities Authority - Solar Water Heating Rebate
Fort Pierce Utilities offers $450 rebates for installation of solar water heating units by certified Florida contractors.
Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF)
SELF provides unsecured personal loans for energy-efficient home improvements to qualifying Florida homeowners, funded by a US DOE grant.
Miami-Dade County - Florida PACE Finance Programs
Miami-Dade County offers Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program for energy-related home improvements, repaid through property tax bills. Contractual agreements are between property owners and PACE providers.
Beaches Energy Services - Solar Water Heating Rebate Program
Beaches Energy Services provides a $500 rebate for solar water heating systems to residential customers, with specific qualifications.
Ocala Utility Services - Solar Hot Water Heating Rebate Program
The City of Ocala offers a Solar Water Heater Rebate Program for residential customers. Applications are required before installation by a licensed Florida contractor.
Ocala Utility Services - Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Ocala Utility Services provides rebates on various appliances for its 50,000 customers in Ocala and Marion County area.
City of Tallahassee Utilities - Efficiency Loans
Tallahassee Utilities offers loans up to $20,000 for energy-saving measures, including Solar Photovoltaics and ENERGY STAR roofing.
Florida PACE programs
In 2010, the Federal Housing Finance Agency directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac against purchasing mortgages with a PACE lien. However, some residential PACE programs now operate with measures to address concerns. Commercial PACE programs were not affected.
Fort Pierce Utilities Authority - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Fort Pierce Utilities Authority provides rebates for energy-efficient home upgrades like A/C units, insulation, refrigerators, and dryers.
Beaches Energy Services - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Beaches Energy Services provides rebates for energy-efficient home upgrades, excluding new constructions. Rebate applications must be submitted within 60 days of project completion.
Miami-Dade County - Green Building Expedited Plan Review
Miami-Dade County expedites permit process for green buildings, including solar projects. Criteria includes a project value of $50,000 or more, and certification from a recognized green agency.
Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc - Solar Thermal Loans
Clay Electric Cooperative offers low-interest loans for solar water and pool heaters to customers with good credit history in northern Florida.
City of Tallahassee Utilities - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
City of Tallahassee Utilities provides rebates for ENERGY STAR appliances, efficient HVAC systems, solar heaters and more.
Interconnection Standards
In 2008, Florida's PSC adopted rules for interconnection of renewable-energy systems up to 2 MW, applying to investor-owned utilities but not co-ops or municipal utilities.
Net Metering
Florida PSC adopts net metering and interconnection rules for renewable energy systems, requiring annual reports on customer participation and renewable energy payments.
Orlando Utilities Commission - Solar Programs
OUC offers a $900 rebate for residential electric customers using a preferred Solar Contractor. Pool heating systems are excluded.
City of Tallahassee Utilities - Solar Water Heating Rebate
Tallahassee Utilities offers a $450 rebate for homeowners and homebuilders installing a solar water-heating system, subject to an energy audit.
Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc - Energy Smart Solar Water Heater Rebate Program
Clay Electric Coop offers $0.01/BTU rebate on solar water heaters to residential members, capped at $600. Systems must meet FSEC standards.
Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc - Energy Smart Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Clay Electric Cooperative offers rebates to residential members upgrading efficiency of their existing homes. Includes insulation, solar shades, heat pumps, etc.
Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc - Energy Conservation Loans
Clay Electric Cooperative provides loans up to $7,500 for energy efficiency improvements in homes across 14 North Florida counties.
Orlando Utilities Commission - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Orlando Utilities Commission provides rebates for residential customers making energy efficient improvements, credited to their OUC bill.
City of Tallahassee Utilities - Solar Loans
Tallahassee Utilities offers 5% interest loans up to $20,000 for energy-saving measures such as solar systems, with repayments made on monthly utility bills.
JEA - Green Power Program
JEA, Florida's municipal utility, commits to produce at least 7.5% of electricity from green energy by 2015, achieving 95 megaWatts so far.
JEA - Solar Incentive Program
JEA's Solar Incentive Program offers $400 rebates to residential customers installing new solar hot water heaters. Pool and PV systems not eligible.
Solar Equipment Certification
FSEC certifies solar equipment sold in Florida under the Solar Energy Standards Act of 1976, with regular testing for quality control.
Energy Conservation in Public Buildings
Florida legislation promotes energy efficiency and sustainable building design, requiring solar energy devices and efficient equipment in state buildings, and aiming to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Solar Contractor Licensing
Florida requires solar contractors to have a license, which includes 4 years of experience and passing an examination. Electrical contractors can install PV systems.
City of Gainesville - Public Facilities Landscaping Ordinances
Gainesville city regulations mandate consideration of solar access in PS district building design, with tree relocation or removal allowed for solar equipment installation.
Solar and CHP Sales Tax Exemption
Florida offers tax exemptions for solar energy systems and machinery used in producing green hydrogen and related products since 1997.
Florida Solar Easement and Access Laws
Florida law protects the use of renewable energy devices, including solar collectors, from restrictions by community associations and similar entities. The law also allows for solar easements to ensure sunlight exposure.
Federal Solar Incentives
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grants
REAP, administered by USDA, provides financial aid to small rural businesses and agricultural producers for sustainable energy projects. Grants cover 25% of the project cost, up to $25 million.
Interconnection Standards for Small Generators
New FERC order mandates small generators under 20 MW to maintain operation during abnormal frequency and voltage events, enhancing interconnection efficiency.
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Loan Guarantees
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) supports agricultural producers and rural businesses in the US by providing financial aid for renewable energy projects and energy efficiency improvements.
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs)
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) were used by public entities to fund renewable energy projects. They were repealed in 2017.
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs)
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs) financed energy projects by local governments. Discontinued in 2018, they offered tax credits as interest to bondholders.
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs - Funding Opportunities
The DOE's Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs aids tribes in attaining energy self-sufficiency and economic growth through renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
Fannie Mae Green Financing – Loan Program
Fannie Mae's Green Financing offers loans for multifamily properties aiming for energy and water efficiency improvements. Eligible properties can access favorable rates and additional loan proceeds.
Energy-Efficient Mortgages
Energy efficient mortgages (EEM) allow homeowners to finance energy-saving renovations or purchase new energy-efficient homes. These loans, insured by the U.S. government, aim to promote energy efficiency.
Green Power Purchasing Goal for Federal Government
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 set a goal for federal buildings to use 7.5% renewable energy by 2013. This target was increased to 30% by 2025 but later rescinded in 2018.
USDA - High Energy Cost Grant Program
USDA's grant program, enhancing energy generation in rural areas, concluded its latest application period on July 6, 2021. Updates can be found on the program website.
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Personal)
US law exempts energy conservation subsidies provided by utilities from taxation but requires adjustments for federal tax credits. IRS guidance on solar rebates is unclear.
Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
H.R. 5376 extends tax credit for energy storage systems and excludes biomass heaters, with credit amounts varying by technology type and installation date.
U.S. Department of Energy - Loan Guarantee Program
The Inflation Reduction Act has allocated $11.7 billion to the LPO for new loans, boosting loan authority by $100 billion, and setting up the Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment Program.
Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 updates the federal Business Energy Investment Tax Credit, introducing new eligibility criteria, bonus credits, and transitions the tax credit to a new section.
Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC)
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 introduces changes to the federal renewable electricity production tax credit, introducing new bonus credits and eligibility criteria.
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Corporate)
U.S. energy conservation subsidies provided by public utilities are tax-exempt, but this does not extend to certain electricity-generating systems. Tax credits can't be claimed for unsubsidized expenses.
Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS)
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 allows 100% depreciation for qualified assets, impacting renewable energy technologies. MACRS classifies these technologies for depreciation purposes.
Energy and Emissions Goals and Standards for Federal Government
President Biden's Executive Order 14057 sets ambitious sustainability goals for the US, including 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030 and a fully zero-emission federal fleet by 2035.
