Florida News Straight From the Source
Vote Solar today released a report detailing Florida’s troubling reliance on natural gas, which is double the national average. Floridians send $5 billion out of the state’s economy annually to pay for gas imports. [Read more…] about More than $5 billion flees Florida’s economy every year to pay for out-of-state fossil fuels
A new study from GTM Research found that community solar could deliver energy saving options for 384,000 Florida customers by 2030 and spur up to $4 billion in investments. The Vision for U.S. Community Solar: A Roadmap to 2030, which was produced for the non-profit group Vote Solar in partnership with GRID Alternatives and the Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA), shows how community solar in Florida could provide critical economic relief and local resiliency to vulnerable communities. [Read more…] about Community Solar Poised to Serve 384,000 Florida Residents Affordable Energy
A new study from GTM Research found that community solar could deliver energy saving options for 384,000 Florida customers by 2030 and spur up to $4 billion in investments. [Read more…] about New Report: Community Solar Poised to Serve 384,000 Florida Residents Affordable Energy
The Solar Foundation today released its annual National Solar Jobs Census, showing Florida’s solar industry employs 8,589 workers, climbing four percent more than 2016. Solar advocates and industry called on state lawmakers to continue support for policies that create local jobs and grow Florida’s clean energy economy.
“Florida solar jobs continue to outpace the economy thanks to a number of factors, including improved solar policy through property tax relief, strong net metering for investor-owned utilities and leveraged buying power through the recent surge of solar cooperatives,” said Patrick Altier, President of Florida Solar Energy Industries Association. “Most importantly, the uptick in consumer awareness on the benefits of solar, both financially and environmentally, have driven the sunshine state’s clean energy economy.”
“The solar industry is a bright spot in Florida’s economy, creating thousands of local jobs across the state,” said Scott Thomasson, Southeast Director at Vote Solar. “Time and again, policymakers, on both sides of the aisle, deliver when Florida voters overwhelmingly support solar progress. State legislators showed that again this week, voting to move forward Senator René Garcia’s bill to invest in solar and battery storage solutions that keep communities up and running during national disasters.”
When Hurricane Irma shut the power grid down for days, many Florida families were able to keep their lights on and their refrigerators cold using solar panels paired with new battery technology. This year, Florida House Bill 1133 and Senate Bill 1888 would establish a pioneering new pilot program that will expand the use of solar and battery storage and build a more resilient energy grid.
Florida’s solar job growth is in contrast with national trends, which decreased year over year largely due to policy uncertainty at the federal level. The national Solar Energy Industries Association estimates that President Trump’s solar tariffs will cost the economy another 23,000 jobs in the coming years.
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Vote Solar support legislation filed in the Florida Legislature this week, HB 1133, that would demonstrate solar and energy storage’s ability to maintain grid resilience during natural disasters and states of emergency.
The bill establishes a pilot program in the Florida Keys to install on-site solar generation and energy storage to provide electricity to critical facilities during grid outages or failures, like the recent Hurricane Irma.
“As we’ve recently experienced first-hand with Hurricane Irma, there’s nothing more crucial in the wake of a disaster than power. Onsite solar energy storage systems are a forward-thinking solution to improving the security of energy supply at critical local facilities,” said Florida State Representative Holly Raschein, who is HB 1133’s main sponsor. “Given that Florida is the Sunshine State, it only makes sense to tap into this resource when planning for stronger communities that are more resilient in recovering from a disaster.”
The pilot program will measure the benefits of resilience assistance to support the energy needs of critical facilities, such as emergency shelters, hospitals and health facilities, airports, and emergency response units, like police and fire departments. Solar and energy storage can immediately offset these facilities’ power needs, provide backup energy during a grid outage, and store energy isolated from the utility’s electrical system for emergencies. They also eliminate the need for back-up diesel generators.
“This is a crucial step in preparing Florida for future emergencies and we thank Rep. Holly Raschein for her leadership,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, SEIA’s president and CEO. “Making sure our first responders and critical facilities have the power they need to deliver life-saving services during emergencies should be a top priority for any state, and solar plus storage is the easiest and most effective solution. This pilot program will demonstrate the effectiveness of solar and storage in maintaining grid resilience and help lawmakers implement this strategy on a larger scale.”
“Solar energy is already becoming a huge success story in Florida, and the excitement around new battery technology has been growing since it proved itself in the days after Irma, keeping lights and refrigerators on for families when the power grid was down for days,” said Scott Thomasson, Southeast Director of Vote Solar. “Scaling solar and energy storage as a strategic backup resource during disasters could have a real impact on people’s lives and security.”
The solar industry urges the Florida Legislature to pass this bill, implementing the pilot programs and corresponding Florida Solar Energy Center study measuring the benefits of the program.
About SEIA®
Celebrating its 43rd anniversary in 2017, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry, which now employs more than 260,000 Americans. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® is building a strong solar industry to power America. SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to build jobs and diversity, champion the use of cost-competitive solar in America, remove market barriers and educate the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.
About Vote Solar
Since 2002, Vote Solar has been working to lower solar costs and expand solar access. A 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Vote Solar advocates for state policies and programs needed to repower our electric grid with clean energy. Learn more at www.votesolar.org
Florida Governor Rick Scott today signed solar energy legislation, Senate Bill 90 (SB 90), to increase clean energy, solar production and job creation for Florida. SB 90 enacts Amendment 4, a ballot measure receiving an overwhelming 73 percent voter support during last August 30 primary election. The Republican-backed bill also received tremendous lawmaker approval and passed unanimously in both the Florida Senate and House.
Below are statements from the bill sponsors, Vote Solar and many statewide associations in response to Governor Scott’s approval of SB 90.
“Governor Scott’s approval comes on the heels of overwhelming support for solar progress over the last year. In August, nearly 3 of every 4 voters embraced the opportunity to move solar forward in the Sunshine State. During the legislative session, every lawmaker, on both sides of the aisle, delivered on that promise,” said Scott Thomasson, Southeast Director for Vote Solar. “Governor Scott’s approval signals that Florida is open for businesses, jobs and private investments. We thank Senator Jeff Brandes and House Leader Ray Rodrigues for working tirelessly on behalf of Floridians to increase energy choices, create local jobs, and promote healthier communities with solar.”
“Governor Scott answered the will of the voters today by signing Senate Bill 90, the sunshine state solar initiative allowing tax exemptions for business to install solar panels as an energy resource. This legislation implemented Amendment 4 from the August 30 primary, which passed by an overwhelming 73 percent vote,” said Senator Jeff Brandes (R, St. Petersburg). “I look forward to continuing our work to diversify Florida’s energy economy, so we can live up to our title as the Sunshine State and lead in renewable energy.”
“I commend Governor Scott for signing Senate Bill 90 and I am proud this legislation will move Florida closer to being a leading state for new solar jobs,” said House Majority Leader Ray Rodrigues (R, Estero). “We were able to pass a balanced bill that will boost solar in Florida while ensuring customers are protected, thanks to constructive input from groups like the Solar Energy Industries Association and Vote Solar, who helped get this important legislation over this finish line.”
“The Florida Chamber of Commerce applauds Governor Scott for leveling the playing field between commercial and residential solar by signing this bill into law,” said Christopher Emmanuel, Director of Infrastructure and Governance Policy at the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
“The Florida Retail Federation commends Governor Rick Scott for answering the will of the voters and signing SB 90 which implements solar Amendment 4,” said R. Scott Shalley, President of the Florida Retail Federation. “This law will help retailers throughout the sunshine state take advantage of needed incentives for solar energy.”
“A victory lap to the finish line on solar energy today. The Governor signed what 2 million voters called for last election cycle in Amendment 4,” said Julio Fuentes, President of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “Our members include more than 604,000 Hispanic owned small businesses who support energy diversity and thank the Governor for signing and allowing this implementing bill to become law.”
“Tourism is Florida’s leading industry. Visitors and residents alike, will benefit from the energy savings resulting from the Governor allowing Amendment 4 to be implemented,” said Richard Turner, General Counsel and Vice President of Government Relations for the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “The hospitality industry is excited to support our lawmakers’ smart policies that promote sustainability and diversify our energy grid.”
All Florida lawmakers worked closely with clean energy and jobs advocates, including Vote Solar, the Solar Energy Industries Association, Advanced Energy Economy, and The Alliance for Solar Choice, to pass legislation that best serves Florida businesses and residents. The final bill has earned praise from a range of business, consumer and environmental organizations, including The Nature Conservancy, Florida Conservation Voters, and Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.
The Florida legislature today passed SB 90, legislation that implements Amendment 4, the solar ballot initiative that 73% of voters supported last August. Amendment 4 provides Florida homeowners and businesses an exemption from burdensome property taxes on solar and renewable energy devices. Bills to implement Amendment 4 passed unanimously in both the Senate and House chambers, with support from a broad coalition of business groups, the solar industry, and clean energy advocates. Below are statements from statewide associations and Vote Solar in response to the passage of the legislation.
“Last August, Florida voters called for solar progress in one of the most popular amendments in the Sunshine State’s history,” said Scott Thomasson, Southeast Director at Vote Solar. “We applaud Senator Jeff Brandes and House Majority Leader Ray Rodrigues for their leadership in working with all sides to pass a balanced bill that respects the will of the voters they serve while also protecting customers. Now, it’s up to Governor Rick Scott to honor the voters’ overwhelming support for solar development and deliver on the promise of more jobs and energy choices across Florida.”
“With technological advances, energy opportunities for Floridians are increasing, and now families and job creators will benefit from a targeted tax break on solar panels,” said David Hart, Executive Vice President of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “The Florida Chamber commends Senator Jeff Brandes and lawmakers for helping Florida achieve energy independence while also strengthening Florida’s economy.”
“The Florida Retail Federation commends the legislature for answering the will of the voters and passing SB 90 which implements solar Amendment 4,” said Scott Shalley, President of the Florida Retail Federation. “Thanks to bill sponsors Senator Jeff Brandes and House Majority Leader Ray Rodrigues retailers throughout the Sunshine State will be able to take advantage of this great solar energy policy.”
“A victory lap to the finish line on solar energy today. The Florida legislature passed a bill to implement what 2 million voters called for last election cycle in Amendment 4,” said Julio Fuentes,President of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “Our members include more than 604,000 Hispanic owned small businesses who support energy diversity and thank the legislature for their excellent work.”
“Tourism is Florida’s leading industry. Visitors and residents alike, will benefit from the energy savings resulting from the passage of this legislation,” said Richard Turner, General Counsel and Vice President of Government Relations for the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “The hospitality industry is excited to support our lawmakers’ smart policies that promote sustainability and diversify our energy grid.”
Republican lawmakers worked closely with clean energy and jobs advocates, including Vote Solar, the Solar Energy Industries Association, Advanced Energy Economy, and The Alliance for Solar Choice, to craft a bill that best serves Florida businesses and residents. The final bill has earned praise from a range of business, consumer and environmental organizations, including The Nature Conservancy, Florida Conservation Voters, and Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.
Vote Solar, an advocacy organization working to make solar a mainstream energy resource across the U.S., issues the following statement today in response to legislative activity in Florida.
“We applaud Senator Jeff Brandes for his continued leadership on solar energy development in Florida. He is a true champion for solar and today helped assure unanimous passage of Senate Bill 90 in the first legislative committee meeting. Senate Bill 90 will help to unlock the sunshine state’s full solar potential,” said Scott Thomasson, Director of New Markets for Vote Solar.
“This bill comes at just the right time to grow the market in Florida, as The Solar Foundation announced today that Florida gained 1,700 solar jobs in 2016. Florida voters sent a clear mandate with 73 percent of voters agreeing to remove tax penalties on solar, and now it’s up to our state legislators to implement Amendment 4 into law by passing Senate Bill 90.”
Vote Solar is a non-profit organization working to foster economic development and energy independence by bringing solar energy to the mainstream nationwide. Learn more at www.votesolar.org
