Florida Utilities Suddenly Pull Solar Energy Rebate

For months, solar energy has been a hot topic in Florida’s capitol, and it’s spurred some fairly heated debates between Florida Power & Light, a major Florida utility company, and some of the key players in favor of a state-wide solar industry. In previous months, Florida utility companies actively worked to keep these advocates out of solar energy talks, namely because of a disagreement over whose hands the actual solar energy equipment would end up in. The utilities aim to hold on to the solar equipment and charge a subscription fee to consumers, while advocates push for an open industry for all residents and businesses alike.

Needless to say, the talks haven’t been the most effective means of communication and it’s resulted in a sudden and somewhat unexpected pull of Florida utility rebate programs for local solar energy providers. Ultimately, the rebates would have allowed for more widely accessible and affordable solar energy production on a private or residential level. However, the program did encourage a market utility companies in Florida just didn’t support, in spite of the benefits that market would provide.

Florida Power & Light claim the rebate funding was due to expire, but the timing is too particular for solar advocates in the capitol to write off. Unfortunately, there isn’t much to be done either, as many of the state’s legislators have been shown to support the utility companies’ view of a solar energy industry.

Still, no matter whose side you’re on, progress in the name of solar energy is still progress and movement on the topic is promising nonetheless. More focus on alternative energy means more investment and better engineering potential. There is no doubt the Sunshine State’s solar industry is in its inception, but many are working hard to ensure solar enters the mainstream in no time at all.