Florida is one of the states that have a lot of sunlight. Because of that, you’d expect that there would be so many houses and buildings that make use of solar panels. However, this is not the case because electricity in Florida is relatively cheap. This makes people think twice about utilizing the sun’s energy. Nonetheless, because photovoltaic panels have been more affordable as the years passed, more people are encouraged to use this sustainable energy. Here are some details on Florida solar rights law.
Here Are Some Solar Law Rights In Florida
According to the Florida Statute Section 163.04, “no deed restrictions, covenants, or similar binding agreements running with the land shall prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting solar collectors, clotheslines, or other energy devices based on renewable resources from being installed on buildings erected on the lots or parcels covered by the deed restrictions, covenants, or binding agreements.” However, groups and organizations can pose restrictions on the use and installation of solar energy systems for as long as they do not hinder the performance and the production of solar energy.
Florida also gives tax exemptions on sales and use tax for those buying solar energy equipment. This doesn’t include the repairs and maintenance. Solar companies are required to file these tax exemptions.
To add to that, the state of Florida gives incentives to those who use less solar energy than they produce. This is called the net metering law. Under this law, it states that those who use less energy than they produce will be credited by the utility company. The credit can be used for 12 months after which it will be converted to actual payment to the customer if it won’t be consumed during that time period. The excess energy is fed back to the grid for future use. Anyone whose systems are at least 2 megawatts are qualified while cooperatives are not. For those who have less than 11.7 kilowatts of power Direct Current (DC), they are exempt from having the umbrella insurance policy.
As for rebates, Florida Power & Light (FPL) offers up to $50,000 rebate for households or business that will install solar water heating systems. On the other hand, Gulf Power gives a $1000 rebate for installing the same system. In the past, the latter even gives an incentive of $2 per watt that can reach $10,000 for new installations of solar energy systems.
While these are all good, Florida remains as one of the five states that does not allow third-party leasing. Third-party leasing is when a person pays for the use of the energy produced by a solar energy system of another person. Florida solar rights law is for the benefit of the Florida consumer.
Call Go Solar Program for your solar quote today for your home or business!
