I bet you’ll think I’m a little bit crazy about the sun and solar energy, you might be right. If you think from reading my views on Solar Water Heating that I am in love with my solar water heater, it’s true and my question to you and the rest of Florida is, “Why doesn’t every house or building on my block or your block have one?” “What about that new Magic stadium – where are the solar panels?” Wake up people; we’ve ignored the sun long enough.
So, if you think my water heater was worth reading about, let me tell you about solar electricity.
Last summer, June or July, we got lucky and noticed an advertisement announcing a solar energy tour. We took the ten minutes out of our busy Sunday and searched the website, set our calendar to visit a few houses on the solar tour, and decided to check out a manufacturer or two. Our interest was peaked. We even mapped it out to maximize our time.
Sunday arrived bright and sunny and since we had a water heater, our interest and research was mainly in solar conversion for the house and a heater for our yet to be dug swimming pool.
Here’s what I found:
- The cost to go totally electric is about $40,000 to $45,000, estimated.
- The federal government allows a 30% tax credit on your tax return but only for the year it was purchased. If you purchase your system in February 2010 you cannot take the tax deduction until April 2011. This rebate is ongoing until 2016. There is not a maximum cap on the purchase price of the unit. You can purchase a $100,000.00 solar energy unit and receive a 30% credit or a $30,000 dollar for dollar credit on your federal tax return.
- The State of Florida gives you maximum rebate of $20,000.00. It is calculated at $4.00 per watt therefore a 5,000 watt unit will maximize the $20,000 maximum allowed. Don’t forget to send pictures (I cannot express to you how important that is). If you purchased your unit from a reputable solar company they will provide the pictures for you – at no charge. The check is mailed to you just like your water heater but keep in mind it takes at least 6-9 months to receive.
- Both utility companies credit your account monthly by way of a Green Renewal Credit or a Renewal Energy Credit (REC). With Progress Energy, it requires submission of the form entitled “Interconnection of Customer-Owned Renewable Generation Systems to Progress Energy Florida, Inc. Electric Grid Application and Compliance Form.” This form is usually provided and completed by your installer and again – no charge. Additionally, Progress Energy will install a new meter at no cost to the consumer. OUC has a similar agreement with the consumer entitled “Residential Solar Service Agreement (RSSA) Customer Sited Solar Systems but credits your account $250.00 on your next bill to cover the cost of installation of the new meter. Take a minute to surf their website; it is well worth your ten minutes.
- Again, it is wise to shop around as no two solar companies are alike.
- You might have to cut down a tree or two (not too happy about that) to maximize sun exposure. Just remember to plant another tree somewhere else in the yard.So let’s do the math:
Total Cost: $40,000.00 – just a rough estimate
Tax Credit 12,000.00
State Rebate 20,000.00
Total Out of Pocket $8,000.00 – That’s less than a new car.
I recommend that you find a financial institution that offers 12 months, 24 months (whatever) same as cash and wait for the tax credits and rebates. OUC has a partnership with a financial institution that offers low cost loans to those who qualify (check the website). And…every month when the electric company sends you a check, pay down your loan. Trust me it works, we did it.
We are planning an open house with Superior Solar for all you guys out there who are curious, come see how it looks and talk to us personally. The date is February 27, 2010 from 8:30 am to 12:00 noon at 801 Toledo Drive, Altamonte Springs, Florida. Nick Arceneaux will be on hand as well to answer any questions you may have.
This is Elaine and I’m asking everyone to let the sun shine in.
Elaine Huffman
Author, Publisher, and Environmentally Conscious
