Florida Solar Energy - The Sunshine State
With its abundance of sunshine and state initiatives, the Florida solar energy industry is really starting to boom. Any resident of Florida who installs a new solar power system of 2 KW or larger for a solar photovoltaic (PV) system or a solar water heating system that provides at least 50% of a building’s hot water consumption, is eligible for a rebate of up to $20,000 and $5000 respectively. This forward thinking initiative makes it affordable for the ordinary household to invest in a Florida solar power system. And it needs to as well.... The Energy Information Administration (EIA) has recently stated that approximately 244 million metric tons of energy-related carbon dioxide is produced annually. Electric power is responsible for 51% of the emissions. Think about it! These are staggering figures and obviously something needs to be done about it. Fortunately, in Florida there is something being done. And it doesn't just stop at residential households.Even Florida's schools are getting in on it and using the states free supply of solar energy to light classrooms. Florida’s SunSmart Schools Program, is installing 29 solar electric systems in schools throughout the state. But the biggest difference has to be the uptake of solar power systems in residential households. Then the Florida solar energy incentives will really begin to bear fruit. Solar Energy Push In Florida Florida solar energy is in abundance but it is not using it´s capability as a major receiver of solar energy as it should be doing. Florida receives enough solar energy to power every home from Key West to Pensacola. Yet their sources of green energy are largely untapped. Most residents consider solar power to be a futuristic or impractical concept. As a result, Florida solar energy ranks 23rd in the nation in energy efficiency, according to the nonprofit American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. And Florida solar energy is way down the nation league table. ``We buried our head in the sand,'' said Camille Coley, executive assistant vice president for research at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. ``We want to continue to live our lives and not make necessary changes.'' It's not like the state isn't trying. Gov. Charlie Crist and the Legislature created the Florida Energy & Climate Commission in 2008 to promote and develop Florida solar energy sources as well as to study how to reduce greenhouse gases. The commission has helped put through legislation to increase energy efficiency in state-owned buildings and cars and to require all new buildings be more energy efficient by 2019. Further, the Florida Public Service Commission has recommended utilities generate 20 percent of their power through renewable energy sources such as Florida solar energy within the next 10 to 20 years. ``The technology is there,'' said Craig Williams, executive director of the Florida Renewable Energy Association, whose home is powered by Florida solar energy. ``There's no reason why all Floridians can't be using it.'' By far the state's most readily available natural resource, the sun shines in Miami about 70 percent of the time there is available daylight, according to the National Weather Service. Compare that to 58 percent of the time in New York City or 47 percent in Seattle. Even when it's cloudy, sun rays penetrate to the ground, said meteorologist Rusty Pfost. ``We get a lot of sun here, so Florida solar energy is definitely something we could do more of,'' he said. To encourage its widespread use, Florida had offered residents a rebate up to $20,000 for using solar panels but funding has run dry. The state otherwise has applied pressure on utilities to rely more on renewable energy. In October, FPL opened a solar-powered plant in Arcadia with 90,000 solar panels, able to power up to 35,000 homes. Steven Baillie, owner of Solar Concepts in Boca Raton, said he installed six solar power systems on homes this year. Each panel is about 15 square feet and produces 200 to 300 watts of electricity in direct sunlight, enough to power air conditioning, television sets and computers. Baillie said the solar power system will pay for itself in about four to five years, adding, ``It's a good investment.'' He estimates about 1,000 homes in South Florida have already installed solar panels. Yet, according to the Florida Energy & Climate Commission, the number of homes that use solar power -- and requested a state rebate -- is fewer than 200. If you are interested in having solar panels installed, I've compiled a list of Florida solar energy installers below. There has never been a better time to build your own solar panel installation.
SolarPowerUSA are based in Orlando and also have a New York office. They specialise in PV panels and inverters. Harrimans are family run Florida solar energy installers based in Venice that supply and install solar water heating and solar PV. All Solar Florida - solar installers located in Kissimmee and serving central Florida, they install the full range of PV solar power systems, solar hot water systems and pool heaters.
Sun Electronics - located in Miami they are suppliers of PV solar power systems.
Useful resources
Florida Solar Energy Center
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