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HOME ENERGY NEWS
Prime Time for a Solar Home Makeover!
Monthly Energy Bills Fall,
Property Value Rises
Savvy homeowners throughout Florida are hopping onto the new “Green Home” trend, decreasing their monthly utility bills while increasing their property value.
Here’s how they are doing it.
Effective July 1, 2006, Floridians who make additions of solar equipment to their home – solar electricity (photovoltaic or PV) solar water heaters and even solar pool heater- get significant rebates from the state. Added to the existing Federal incentives, Floridians can save a bundle on moving to an energy-efficient lifestyle. (See chart)
FLORIDA'S SOLAR INCENTIVES |
| Effective Dates of Program |
Florida Solar Energy System Incentives Program*
07/01/06 - 06/30/10
Rebate Terms
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Federal Energy Policy Act of 2005
12/31/05 - 01/01/08
|
| Solar Water Heater (Residential) |
$500 |
30% capped at $2,000 |
| Solar Water Heater (Commercial) |
$5,000* |
30% with NO Cap |
| Solar Electricity (Residential) |
$20,000** |
30% capped at $2,000 |
| Solar Electricity (Commercial) |
$100,000** |
30% with NO Cap |
| Solar Pool Heaters |
$100 |
n/a |
 There are many reasons why now is a great time for these "Go Green, Save Green" home additions:
- Enjoy Home Energy-Savings Immediately. Using solar electricity, electric bills can be reduced immediately by 20-90%, depending on the size of the system. Solar Water heating can reduce your hot water heating bills by 75-97%, saving you hundreds of dollars per year.
- Saves Up to 50% off the Retail Price for an Energy-Saving Home Addition. By acting now, you'll guarantee you'll also get your equipment in time to also use the Federal Energy Act of 2005 incentives – allowing you to subtract 30% of your purchase price (less state rebates) from your 2006 federal tax bill. Here’s an example:
| List price of solar water heater |
$6,500
|
| Less Florida Rebate |
-$500
|
| Less Federal Tax Credit |
-$1,800
|
| You pay only |
$4,250
|
Ask about other Solar Direct Incentives
Save up to an additional $2,000 |
| List price of solar electric system |
$27,000 |
| Less Florida Rebate |
-$12,000 |
| Less Federal Tax Credit |
-$2,000 |
| You pay only |
$13,000 |
| You save almost 50% off Retail |
- Increase Your Home's Value. Green building appraisers estimate for every $1 in a home's annual energy saving, the appraisal price increases $20.
 One Florida homeowner’s $40,000 Solar Home Makeover paid for itself in appraisal upgrade: Energy savings of $200/month or $2400/year via solar upgrades calculates to nearly a $50,000 appraisal increase. |
- Solar Storm Proof Your Home - Solar PV and solar water heaters provide great backup system during power outages and hurricanes.
- Protect the Florida Environment. As a carbon-free energy source, using solar helps reduce Florida's - as well as your own - contribution to global warming. (Florida is one of the top five states in US energy consumption as well as CO2 emissions contribution.)
Make August the start of an energy independent lifestyle by considering a Solar Home Makeover, the natural alternative energy for The Sunshine State.
Sincerely,
Dale A. Gulden
President, Solar Direct
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 Click here to see and hear Pedro Santiago of DeBary, FL describe his family’s $43,000 investment in a “Solar Home Makeover”, cutting his utility bills by 50% and increasing his property value by $50,000. (Link above will take you to Tampa Bay's Channel 10 website - click under the sunshine photo to see video)
Want to learn what a Solar Home Makeover is? Click here.
Helpful Hints to Get Your Florida Solar Rebate(s)*
 Your Home Qualifies for One Rebate per Resident. This means a typical 3-member family qualifies for 3 rebates.
Check your installer's license as qualifying.
The state will not reward rebates to systems installed by unlicensed contractors or contractors with inappropriate licenses.
• For solar PV, use a state-licensed master electrician, electrical contractor or solar contractor.
• For Solar Water Heaters, use a state-licensed plumber or solar contractor.
Check your equipment meets the Minimum Size
• Solar photovoltaic system must be a minimum of 2 kW.
• Solar Water heater(s) must provide at least 50% of the dwelling’s hot water needs.
Buy Early, Apply Early!
Rebate applications are accepted only within 90 days post the date of purchase.
Click here for the Solar Rebate Application
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Why Buy Early?
There are $2.5 Million in funds for the first (and only funded) year of the program. Some 150,000 to 200,000 new homes go up per year in Florida!
There are 20 Million Florida residents and less than 1% have solar today.
Some of the hints described here are adapted from the text in the signed Florida Energy Act.
* The temporary rules in place for qualifying for a rebate and FAQ are published here (posted July 3,2006) |
Interested in using the solar incentives for your business?
Contact Solar Direct today for a Free No-Obligation Quote |
