In June of 2009 a law was passed in Florida requiring that all privately owned utility companies, like Progress Energy and FPL, are required to buy back any excess energy produced by solar energy systems. We can speak with you about designing a system big enough to produce a 'net metering' scenario for you. Your system would be tied to the Grid and any excess energy your produce must be bought back by the utility companies.
You will begin to produce electricity immediately after the system is installed. There are many government incentives that will allow you save money on your solar power systems, and the cost of solar panels have come down significantly over the years. All things considered, its difficult to say exactly how much your system will cost, but we do know that it can completely eliminate your electric costs. In addition one must consider the added value of helping to preserve our environment and our natural resources, that is difficult to put a price tag on, but means a lot for our future.
We know that it is easy to get confused by all of this terminology, but don't worry. Before you buy your solar power system, our solar energy experts will explain all of the benefits to you in terms that you can understand. At the end of the day we understand that its really all about how much electricity will you produce and how much money will you save.
Florida law forbids ordinances, deed restrictions, covenants, or similar binding agreements from prohibiting solar equipment use. Under this law, a homeowner may not be denied permission to install a solar collector, clothesline, or other energy device based on renewable resources by any entity granted the power or right in any deed restriction, covenant or similar binding agreement to approve, forbid, control, or direct alteration of property.
Your system will still work when it is cloudy outside. Most solar energy systems produce about 50% of the energy on a cloudy day compared to a sunny day. Most of the systems we install are tied to the Grid (the utility company), so when it cloudy outside you will pull any additionally required energy from the utility company automatically.
The cost of a solar energy system can vary greatly depending on roof condition, orientation to the sun, and the slope of the roof. In addition the size of the system will effect the required investment. Keep in mind that as a general rule, the larger the system the lower the cost per watt. We work with many manufacturers to get you the best price on the components for your system. In addition keep in mind that solar rebates can pay for a good part of your solar energy system. We will work with you to identify all of the rebates you qualify for and get you the most for your money.
Before you buy a solar energy system for your home we often recommend replacing your existing regular water heater with a solar water heater. Why? To offset the cost of electricity that a hot water heater would consume would require adding an additional 3000 kw PV system which would cost more the a Solar Hot Water Heater. This will allow your system to produce a higher percentage of the electricity needed and reduce the payback period of your solar energy system.
In Florida there are many incentives and lots of sunlight which makes this a great State for a solar energy systems. Most homes are great candidates for a solar power system. We will meet with you for free to discuss your options. Give us a call today!