Fla Green Incentives Kettles

Florida’s Green Incentives and Policies: Solar in Affordable Housing

Colleen McCann Kettles

2009 Florida Affordable Housing Conference

Florida Solar Energy Research & Education Foundation

FlaSEREF

Established by the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association to promote the growth of solar energy in Florida

Operates as a contractor on behalf of the Governor’s Energy Office

Administers the SunBuilt, SunCatcher and Public Awareness Programs


FlaSEREF Programs

SunBuilt Program: Incentives for builders installing solar water heaters on new homes

SunCatcher Program: Promoting use of solar energy on hotels, restaurants and condominiums

Public Awareness: Toll free hotline, website, educational materials


Solar in Affordable Housing

Solar Technologies

Solar Water Heating

Solar Pool Heating

Solar Electric (Photovoltaics – PV)

* Place your footnotes here


Solar Water Heating


Solar Water Heating

Uses the suns heat to produce hot water for domestic use

Provides 50 to 90 percent of household hot water needs (back up electric or gas is provided)

Water heating represents about 15% of household energy consumption

Systems are tested and certified

Contractors are licensed and insured and subject to continuing education requirements


Solar Water Heating

Financial Incentives Include:

30% Federal Residential Tax Credit

30% Federal Business Investment Credit

Florida Sales Tax Exemption

Florida Solar Rebate Program

- $500 for residential systems

- $15/1,000 Btu for commercial systems ($5,000 cap)


Solar Pool Heating


Solar Pool Heating

Uses the sun’s heat to increase pool water temperature

Most cost effective use of solar energy

Licensed contractors, certified equipment

No federal tax credit available

State solar rebate of $100

Florida sales tax exemption


Photovoltaics (Solar Electric – PV)



Uses the light of the sun to generate electricity

Produces alternative current electricity which is converted to direct current

Systems are grid tied with the serving utility or in some cases off grid with battery back up

Applications include:

- Remote Power (off-grid applications, highway signage, street lighting, water pumping)

- Distributed Generation (grid-connected residential and commercial applications)

- Central Station (utility scale applications)- Consumer Products (watches, calculators, garden lighting)



Requires subsidies to be cost effective in most cases, but costs are declining

Rising electric rates improve cost effectiveness

Florida law provides for net metering and interconnection with electric utility

Utility programs provide additional investment incentives



Financial Incentives Include:

30% Federal Residential Tax Credit

30% Federal Business Investment Credit (available as a grant through 2010)

Florida Sales and Property Tax Exemptions

Florida Solar Rebate Program

- $4 per watt

- $20,000 cap for residential systems

- $100,000 cap for commercial


SunBuilt Program


SunBuilt Program

A Florida-based builder program

Supports a builder’s transition into green building and energy efficiency

Allows both builders and their customers to interact with solar water heating technologies

Provides $500 builder installation rebates

Supplies builders with client educational and promotional materials


SunBuilt Program

Builder agrees to participate at gold or silver level by signing pledge.

Builder receives rebate and client educational materials for model or Parade home(s).

How it Works

Solar contractor installs solar water heater and builder submits rebate application.


Gold Builder – 100% of Homes with Solar Water Heaters

Sign Gold Builder Pledge.

Fillout and submit system voucher application.

Receive approval from SunBuilt Program to install free system.

Install system.

Receive materials for Model Home(s).

Submit rebate application after each installation.


Utility Incentives for Solar

Include rebates, low interest loans, and performance based incentives

Consider energy efficiency incentives as well to maximize conservation efforts and optimize solar investments

Gulf Power, Progress Energy, JEA, GRU, OUC, City of Tallahassee, Clay Electric Cooperative currently offer solar incentives

Orange County provides supplement to Progress Energy and OUC customers

Current proceeding before the Florida Public Service Commission will result in new utility program offerings

http://www.flaseref.org/utilityIncentives.html


Renewable Energy Technology Grant Program

Awarded funds to solar and other renewable projects in 2007 and 2008 through competitive bid process

Extended program to energy efficiency as well for 2009

Stimulus funds have been requested to fund 2009 projects through the “Shovel Ready” program request ($20 million)

Stimulus funds have been requested to fund additional projects through the Renewable Energy Sector Grant Program ($24 million)

Leveraged funding is required


State Energy Program/Block Grants

Competitive Grants to Local Government (60% Federal Requirement)

The Energy Independence & Security Act of 2007, in establishing the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant, requires that States pass-through 60% of funds received to cities and counties that did not receive a direct allocation from the United States

The State of Florida proposes to provide these funds to non-entitlement cities and counties through a competitive grant process that incorporates federal program guidance by reference.

Program Year Funds: $18,240,960.00


Federal Incentives for Energy Efficiency

Tax Credits for Consumers

Tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, up to $1,500, in 2009 & 2010 (for existing homes only) for:

Windows and Doors

Insulation

Roofs (Metal and Asphalt)

HVAC

Water Heaters (non-solar)

Biomass Stoves


Federal Incentives for Energy Efficiency

Home Builders

$2,000 tax credit for a new energy efficient home that achieves 50% energy savings for heating and cooling over the model code

At least 1/5 of the energy savings must come from building envelope improvements

Applies to new homes located in the United States whose construction is substantially completed after August 8, 2005 and that are acquired from the eligible contractor for use as a residence from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2009


Too Much Information!

http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-programs/state-and-local/recovery.html


Solar Weatherization Assistance Program

Pilot program initiated by US DOE, Florida DCA and FSEC from 1994 to 1997

Solar water heaters were installed on homes of weatherization clients in communities throughout Florida

Program results allowed solar water heaters to be considered as an eligible measure in the US Weatherization Assistance Program

System costs and WAP budget limitations are challenges

Front Porch Florida Program reintroduced SWAP to their communities in 2004

Stimulus funding has significantly increased WAP funds, and solar is an eligible measure, subject to prior approval


Solar Weatherization Assistance Program

Renewable energy systems such as solar water heating will be considered during WAP PY 2009-12.

Sub-grantees interested in installing this renewable energy system should contact the state office for clarification of guidelines.

Weatherization measures that are required through the Priority List and audits must be provided before installation of a renewable energy saving system may be considered.

Prior approval for installation of a renewable energy saving system is required from the state office.


Miami Dade Community Action Agency

Miami Dade Solar Initiative

One of the most active WAP agency under the original SWAP program

Funded by the Board of County Commissioners, the Solar Water Heater Program provides for the installation of solar water heating systems in low income households

Originated by Commissioner Katy Sorenson to serve residents of her district, the program was extended to provide for installations county wide.


Commissioner Sorenson, CAA Director and Solar Client


For more information -

www.flaseref.org

1-800-59SOLAR

www.flaseia.org

1-800-426-5899

www.askaboutsolar.com

[email protected]

Fla Green Incentives Kettles

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