Florida Solar Innovators, LLC
159 Marine Way
Suite#1
Delray Beach, FL 3483
Phone: 561.208.1587
Florida Solar Innovators, LLC (FSI) is creating useable, renewable, clean power from the sun through the installation of solar systems on residential and commercial properties. It is the goal of Florida Solar Innovators to educate and provide alternative energy sources through technology and innovation.
Signed into law on June 19, 2006 , provides consumers with rebates and tax credits for photovoltaic systems.
The purchase of photovoltaic systems covered under the Florida Renewable Energy Technologies and Energy Efficiency Act qualifies the consumer to receive a substantial rebate. The rebate is based on the manufacturer’s power output rating of the modules. The amount is $4.00 per Watt with a cap of $20,000 for residential photovoltaic systems and a $100,000 cap for commercial, publicly owned, or private not-for-profit photovoltaic systems.
As part of the 2006 Florida Energy Act, the Solar Energy Systems Incentives Program is providing rebates for purchase and installation of solar energy systems in homes and businesses.
Any resident of Florida who purchases and installs a new solar energy system from July 1, 2006, through June 30, 2010, is eligible for a rebate on a portion of the purchase price of that solar energy system. The system must meet one of the following requirements:
Two kilowatts or larger for a solar photovoltaic system; or
A solar energy system that provides at least 50 percent of a building’s hot water consumption for a solar thermal system; or
A solar thermal pool heater
Application for a rebate must be made within 90 days after the purchase of the solar energy equipment.
Solar Photovoltaic System Incentive Qualifications
A solar photovoltaic system qualifies for a rebate if:
1. The system is installed by a state-licensed master electrician, electrical contractor, or solar contractor.
2. The system complies with state interconnection standards as provided by the commission.
3. The system complies with all applicable building codes as defined by the local jurisdictional authority.
Rebate Amounts for Solar Photovoltaic System
The rebate amount shall be set at $4 per watt based on the total wattage rating of the system. The maximum allowable rebate per solar photovoltaic system installation shall be as follows:
1. Twenty thousand dollars for a residence.
2. One hundred thousand dollars for a place of business, a publicly owned or operated facility, or a facility owned or operated by a private, not-for-profit organization, including condominiums or apartment buildings.
Solar Thermal System Incentive Qualifications
A solar thermal system qualifies for a rebate if:
1. The system is installed by a state-licensed solar or plumbing contractor.
2. The system complies with all applicable building codes as defined by the local jurisdictional authority.
Rebate Amounts for Solar Thermal System
Authorized rebates for installation of solar thermal systems shall be as follows:
1. Five hundred dollars for a residence.
2. Fifteen dollars per 1,000 Btu up to a maximum of $5,000 for a place of business, a publicly owned or operated facility, or a facility owned or operated by a private, not-for-profit organization, including condominiums or apartment buildings. Btu must be verified by approved metering equipment.
Solar Thermal Pool Heater Incentive Qualifications
A solar thermal pool heater qualifies for a rebate if the system is installed by a state-licensed solar or plumbing contractor and the system complies with all applicable building codes as defined by the local jurisdictional authority.
Rebate Amount for Solar Thermal Pool Heater
Authorized rebates for installation of solar thermal pool heaters shall be $100 per installation.
Federal tax credits are available for residential and commercial solar energy systems placed in service between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2007.
Residential Tax Credits – For solar water heaters and solar electric (PV) systems, the tax credit is 30% of the equipment and installation cost, with a maximum tax credit of $2,000.
Commercial Tax Credits – For solar water heaters, solar electric (PV) systems, and solar hybrid lighting, the tax credit is 30% of the equipment and installation cost, with no maximum limit.
To be eligible for the solar hot water system tax credit, the system must be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) and produce 50% or more of the hot water needed by the residence. There is no qualification provided for PV systems. Individuals may claim tax credits for either or both types of solar systems.
This provision offers homebuilders a tax credit of $2,000 for homes that reduce energy use for heating and cooling only (not hot water) by 50% compared to the national model code — the 2004 IECC Supplement (assuming an SEER-13 air conditioner). Producers of manufactured homes can also choose to qualify for a tax credit of $1,000 for homes that save 30%. This $1,000 credit for reaching 30% savings is not available for site built homes, which must reach the 50% savings tier to qualify for the $2,000 credit.
Eligible homes must demonstrate savings using software that has been approved by DOE and builders must demonstrate compliance by the use of third-party inspectors certified according to DOE rules. While no interim rules have yet been promulgated to meet these requirements, similar standards exist in Florida and elsewhere under the auspices of Florida's Building Energy Rating System and under the national standards of the national Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET). Additionally, the Florida Solar Energy Center has released a free 60-day trial version of software that makes the calculations that are expected to be used for tax credit qualification.