2009 – 2010 Update

The Florida legislative session ended for the third year in a row with no major goal to increase the production of renewable energy in the state. Its a disappointment for sure, but not hugely surprising given the on-going tensions between the legislature, the governor, and the PSC, and a lack of clear consensus from all players on the best way to grow the renewable energy market. There is one bright spot in an otherwise dim session: an important bill has passed that gives municipalities the authority to create Property Tax Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Financing programs.

Another bright spot in 2010 came from the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC), when they unanimously voted to make $24.5 million per year available as direct rebates for solar PV and solar hot water systems.

The rebate monies were approved as part of the PSC docket to update energy efficiency and demand-side management program goals, a process that happens every 5 years for the state’s investor-owned utilities. Programs should be available by Fall 2010.

The Florida Solar Coalition — comprised of Solar Alliance, Florida SEIA, and Vote Solar — intervened in the docket and is pleased with the progress. While the rebate funds are still small compared to the state’s enormous market potential, it is very welcome news after a year where renewable energy policy seemed to be stalled in the state.

In particular, this should help alleviate pressure on the current solar rebate program administered by the state’s Energy Office. This program has been constantly oversubscribed, underfunded at $5 million/year (although federal stimulus funds did help boost this program this year), and the required annual appropriation of funds through the legislature means program uncertainty each year. We’re happy to see some creative use of DSM funds to support solar until we can put a more stable long-term market in place with an RPS.

2008 – 2009 Wrap-up

In May 2008, the Florida Legislature passed HB 7135, which directs the PSC to create rules for a Renewable Portfolio Standard that provides added weight to photovoltaics, as well as programs for demand-side renewable energy programs. Governor Crist signed the bill in June.

Over the course of 2008, the renewables community  worked hard at the PSC to help craft rules that would build a market in Florida. Once these rules were drafted and approved by the PSC, they were sent to the Legislature for approval. During the 2009 session, the legislature failed to take up the issue.

On January 9, 2009, draft rules for the Renewable Portfolio Standard were approved and then moved to the Legislature for ratification.  However, in the end, efforts fell flat in the House which never took up the RPS issue.

On a more positive note,  Governor Crist did win the “Golden Meter” Award in 2009 for helping the state improve its net metering policy. Net metering allows homeowners and small business owners who install solar or wind renewable energy systems to connect to the grid and receive credit for the electricity they produce. It is one of the most effective tools that states can implement to promote small scale solar installations. Read more here.

Vote Solar lead for Florida is Gwen Rose.