I don’t know about my fellow Floridians out there, but on a personal level, I was fed up. When the Progress Energy bill found my mailbox last January, I made the mistake by not sitting down BEFORE opening the envelope. As many may have experienced, it was off the charts. My husband, Danny and I agreed enough was enough and we had to do something…though we were not sure what that something was until something unusual happened.
I have the privilege of working at home and one day the doorbell rang. It was a lovely day in Florida and an equally lovely young lady making appointments for solar water heaters was standing on the other side of my front door. “Just a 30-minute appointment with a representative to learn about heating your water with the sun, what did I have to lose but a little of my time,” she asked. As I expressed dissatisfaction with my electric company, a friendship was made and an appointment was set.
That Saturday we learned everything there was to know about solar water heaters. With knowledge and care for our earth, we were sold.
In a nutshell, and for those who have not had their front door bell rung, here’s the need to know about solar water heaters*:
1. The federal government allows a tax credit on your tax return but only for the year it was purchased. If you purchased your system in February, 2010 you cannot take the tax deduction until April, 2011. This rebate is ongoing with the Federal Government until 2016.
2. The state gives you a $500 rebate immediately, but it may take up to six to nine months to receive your check. Don’t forget to send pictures with your request for a rebate. This offer from the State of Florida is approved through June, 2010. Whether it will continue is yet to be known and is under consideration with our State Government, so write your State Representatives and Congressman today.
3. Orange County gives you a $200 credit for your solar water heater. The check comes in the mail.
4. Progress Energy gives you a $500 credit directly to your account for the solar system. Orlando Utility Company gives you a $250 credit. Both utility companies credit your account monthly by way of a Green Renewal Credit or a Renewal Energy Credit (REC). With this credit, your solar unit pays for itself in 3 to 3½ years. Prices range between $4,000 – $4,500.
5. I strongly suggest that you shop around when considering a solar water heater as there are numerous companies within the Orlando area; no two are alike.
Need-less-to say, we had our solar water heater installed in March of 2009 and we were ecstatic. Okay, you got me, my shower the first time was no different than all the others except when I walked out with my towel wrapped around me. At that moment I looked at my husband (towel still in place) and said, “It’s like washing with sunshine.”
No regrets here. For those interested in the process I used while finding a company I trust, I’ll be glad to respond. At your convenience, make a comment and will get back to you as soon as I get out of the shower!
This is Elaine and I’m asking everyone to let the sun shine in.
*Information provided by Nick Arceneaux, Superior Solar, 407-331-9077 or 321-228-5611.
Posted by: Elaine C. Huffman
Dear Readers,
No one is perfect, even though I wish I were. Tthe above article has one small error. I’m giving Progress Energy’s money away. Oh how I love to spend other peoples money. Unfortunately, the rebate from Progress Energy is $450.00 not $500.00. My mistake, I’m sorry.
Elaine Huffman