The Florida Senate

377.806  Solar Energy System Incentives Program.--

(1)  PURPOSE.--The Solar Energy System Incentives Program is established within the department to provide financial incentives for the purchase and installation of solar energy systems. Any resident of the state who purchases and installs a new solar energy system of 2 kilowatts or larger for a solar photovoltaic system, a solar energy system that provides at least 50 percent of a building's hot water consumption for a solar thermal system, or a solar thermal pool heater, from July 1, 2006, through June 30, 2010, is eligible for a rebate on a portion of the purchase price of that solar energy system.

(2)  SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM INCENTIVE.--

(a)  Eligibility requirements.--A solar photovoltaic system qualifies for a rebate if:

1.  The system is installed by a state-licensed master electrician, electrical contractor, or solar contractor.

2.  The system complies with state interconnection standards as provided by the commission.

3.  The system complies with all applicable building codes as defined by the local jurisdictional authority.

(b)  Rebate amounts.--The rebate amount shall be set at $4 per watt based on the total wattage rating of the system. The maximum allowable rebate per solar photovoltaic system installation shall be as follows:

1.  Twenty thousand dollars for a residence.

2.  One hundred thousand dollars for a place of business, a publicly owned or operated facility, or a facility owned or operated by a private, not-for-profit organization, including condominiums or apartment buildings.

(3)  SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEM INCENTIVE.--

(a)  Eligibility requirements.--A solar thermal system qualifies for a rebate if:

1.  The system is installed by a state-licensed solar or plumbing contractor.

2.  The system complies with all applicable building codes as defined by the local jurisdictional authority.

(b)  Rebate amounts.--Authorized rebates for installation of solar thermal systems shall be as follows:

1.  Five hundred dollars for a residence.

2.  Fifteen dollars per 1,000 Btu up to a maximum of $5,000 for a place of business, a publicly owned or operated facility, or a facility owned or operated by a private, not-for-profit organization, including condominiums or apartment buildings. Btu must be verified by approved metering equipment.

(4)  SOLAR THERMAL POOL HEATER INCENTIVE.--

(a)  Eligibility requirements.--A solar thermal pool heater qualifies for a rebate if the system is installed by a state-licensed solar or plumbing contractor and the system complies with all applicable building codes as defined by the local jurisdictional authority.

(b)  Rebate amount.--Authorized rebates for installation of solar thermal pool heaters shall be $100 per installation.

(5)  APPLICATION.--Application for a rebate must be made within 90 days after the purchase of the solar energy equipment.

(6)  REBATE AVAILABILITY.--The department shall determine and publish on a regular basis the amount of rebate funds remaining in each fiscal year. The total dollar amount of all rebates issued by the department is subject to the total amount of appropriations in any fiscal year for this program. If funds are insufficient during the current fiscal year, any requests for rebates received during that fiscal year may be processed during the following fiscal year. Requests for rebates received in a fiscal year that are processed during the following fiscal year shall be given priority over requests for rebates received during the following fiscal year.

(7)  RULES.--The department shall adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to develop rebate applications and administer the issuance of rebates.

History.--s. 7, ch. 2006-230.