Perhaps the question above is just too simple. But then again, the American public too often walks around blindfolded and accepting to question political agendas throughout Florida. Warning: the following may be offensive to the politically blind and naïve… if this is your situation, turn the channel.
In the not very distant past, the Florida Legislature adopted the Solar Public Benefit Fund to encourage Florida residents to purchase alternative energy producing equipment; specifically solar panels and the like. This meant that the state of Florida would provide incentives in the form of cash rebates to any resident purchasing solar equipment. A great number of consumers fell for the hook and took advantage of this opportunity, purchased and installed solar panels in their homes, and believed our politicians would stand by their word and legislative action.
Mistake number one: believing Florida politics do not bed with deceit and lies.
Okay, to further, Florida’s only renewable energy incentive was to remain in good health until June of 2010 — meaning a political commitment to any and all Floridian residents for the remainder of this month. Breaking it down… if you are a home owner and purchase solar equipment, the state will give you cash back for any and all purchases (based upon a percentage) made this month. Sounds like a good plan to create a less-dependant and green-conscious consumer. Before we get too far along, roughly speaking, if an individual purchased a system and was penciled in to receive the maximum rebate allowed, the state would refund (by way of check) $20,000. I know what your thinking, that’s a lot of money… and you are right, $20,000 is a lot of money.
Let’s continue by way of a typical consumer thought process… gee, if I purchased a system for $35,000 and the state returned $20,000, that meant out of pocket (including Federal rebates who, for the record, remained true to word so let’s go ahead and deduct $5,000 for the Federal rebate) would be $10,000. Not such a hard pill to swallow for many (not most).
Let’s get personal, we have Joe (no, not the plumber) thinking about doing right with our environment and decides to purchase a unit. He saved enough to put $5,000 down on the total package with the promise from the Florida Legislature that $20,000 would be in the mail soon. Joe felt confident he would be able to save $5,000 to pay off is balance by the end of the year (actually, he would save a good percentage of that from the energy generated by his new system).
In good faith, Joe and his family were doing their part so their grand-kids would benefit as well by way of a cleaner environment and the use of alternative energy. All things going great until one day he receives a message from the very politicians he voted in: those political promises were simply pillow talk meant to sway votes and Joe fell for it (as did another 25,000 other voters). Now we have Joe and his family (as well as those other 25,000 Floridians who believed the lies) looking at a $20,000 bill. Can you say foreclosure?
Ultimately the facts are as follows:
* The Florida Legislative Session approved solar incentives last year (good up to June of this year)
* The Florida Legislative Session (2010) did not approve funds as promised
* 25,000 Florida homeowners are being screwed by the very people we voted in to serve us
Are we going to sit back and not hold the political machine to their word? I propose each become active in this by contacting your representative and do not allow the voices of today and tomorrow to go unheard. With the gulf being engulfed with oil and destroying our natural resources, wildlife, and beaches, NOW is NOT the time to sit back and accept politics as usual… lies, deceit, truth… you tell me; which term does not belong when addressing Florida politics?
Mistake number two: do nothing.
Mind if I throw a quote from a very old movie with a contemporary message: “I’m mad as hell and not going to take it!” (if only I had a window to yell this out for all of Florida to hear…
Keeping it real and you in the know (the above reflects my views so if you have something to say, say it to me),
dhuffman
I am outraged!! Of course, due to my passion for sustainable initiatives in the new energy economy, I fully support the encouragement and advoacy for solar power. However, our government should be inspiring consumers to take part in alternative sources simply by education and awareness of our environemental crisis. By exploiting our economic woes with the promise of a monetary award and then not fulfilling their promises, we will have a lot of people not only enraged but also disenchanted with the process of investing in sustainable energy practices. It’s time to write letters of activism! Thank you for this call to action, Mr. Huffman!
Lillian,
Totally agree. It is my hope all of our readers will contact their local and state politicians, letting them know enough is enough and we are NOT going to take it any more!