Did Florida Ban Solar Panels

In the days immediately following hurricane irma making landfall in florida in early september 2017 many floridians lost electrical power including those with solar panels.

Did florida ban solar panels.

A proposed amendment in florida would finally allow third party leasing in the state but it also contains language that would allow utility companies to charge solar panel consumers extra. In fact if they became widespread they would save 3 5 trillion and reduce 24 6 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide by. Solar power rocks 2015 united states solar power rankings accessed jan. Roof mounted solar panels are an increasing cheap source of renewable energy.

The legal backdrop that exists also involves a careful balancing of a homeowner s right. But when it comes to the use of solar power it trails 19 states including not so sunny massachusetts new jersey new york and. It ranks third in solar capacity but 13th in installations according to the solar energy industries association. Although solar has been expanding nationally florida isn t a leader.

The installation of solar panels often leads to discussions about how the solar panels change the look and character of the neighborhood or that they may cause a decrease in property values for the neighborhood. Thanks to power company rules it s impossible across florida to simply buy a solar panel and power your individual home with it. The commission made this conclusion because they decided that a solar lease did not constitute a retail sale of electricity which is the underlying issue behind the ban. Florida power and light s grid did not fare well under hurricane irma despite the company s assurances that it had spent billions hardening its systems after 90 of its customers lost power to.

With this move solar leases will become available to people in florida which should drastically increase the adoption of solar.