Floridians for Solar Choice Ballot Initiative Takes a Step Back

For nearly a year now, Florida’s solar industry has been teetering on the edge of statewide change. Two different ballot measures sustained by two different coalitions of political officials, community groups, and state residents have being gaining support in hopes of making it onto the 2016 ballot. However, the initiative put forth by Floridians for Solar Choice recently took a turn for the worse.

While petition signatures were well on their way to meeting the prerequisite, the numbers still fell a bit short. There was also rising concern with a contract dispute related to a petition-gathering firm, which may have dampened the chances of reaching the necessary number of signatures. At the end of the day, the coalition has decided to make a push for the 2018 ballot, leaving room for Consumers for Solar Choice, a utility-backed initiative, to take the lead for the 2016 ballot.

This opposing initiative not only has the bulk of its funding provided already, but it is also well on its way to meeting the necessary number of signatures it needs for approval. It was also sent to the state Supreme Court in late November to be approved on its language and clarity. Although the 2016 ballot may not see both measures, there is a good chance the state’s solar industry is due for change sooner rather than later.

The initiative from Floridians for Solar Choice would have allowed homeowners and businesses with solar energy equipment to sell as much as two megawatts of generated power to neighboring properties. While the opposing ballot from Consumers for Solar Choice could put this mission in jeopardy, Floridians for Solar Choice has assured that this isn’t defeat, but rather a delay. Ultimately, the coalition will continue to work toward providing Florida a resounding, beneficial change for the state’s solar industry.