Solar power is finally coming to the Sunshine State. Over the past 15 years, solar energy use has surged about 20% annually. While much of that use has increased outside of Florida, it appears that Floridians are eager to catch up.
A wide variety of residents from all points on the political spectrum have joined together to create Floridians for Solar Choice, a group attempting to place a free market of solar energy on the state ballot for 2016. With groups such as the Libertarian Party of Florida, the Florida Retail Federation, and the Republican Liberty Caucus of Florida all represented in Floridians for Solar Choice, it is clear that a majority of Florida residents agree with the group’s ideas.
Florida’s current policies prohibit freedom of choice when purchasing solar power. In fact, Florida is one of the most expensive states to purchase electricity from renewable energy sources, especially from solar power. Floridians for Solar Choice delivered a press release which stated that current state laws “deny citizens and businesses the freedom to buy solar power electricity directly from someone other than a monopoly electric utility, or government-owned electric utility.”
“It is crystal clear that people in Florida want solar power choice. A ballot initiative is not necessarily the ideal way to establish energy policy, but due to the corrupting influence of monopoly utilities, we must exercise this option in order to give Florida citizens a voice and a choice in energy policy,” Dr. Stephen A. Smith, Executive Director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, added in the press release.
In addition to legislative changes, Florida will see some practical changes, as well. Florida Power and Light Co. intends to build three solar plants by the end of 2016. The addition of one million solar panels will more than triple the utility’s output capacity, increasing from 110 megawatts to 335 megawatts. Florida Power and Light Co. also plans to increase capacity from high-efficiency natural gas facilities
With so many improvements coming to the Sunshine State, Floridians can take pride in the steps they are taking to increase sustainability in their homes. Between improved legislation and companies making solar energy more accessible, Florida may soon become one of the best states for residential solar power.
