The Florida Senate

377.806  Solar Energy System Incentives Program.--

(1)  PURPOSE.--The Solar Energy System Incentives Program is established within the commission 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 Florida Public Service Commission.

3.  The system complies with all applicable building codes as defined by the Florida Building Code.

(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:

¹1.  The system is installed by a state-licensed solar or plumbing contractor or a roofing contractor installing standing seam hybrid thermal roofs.

2.  The system complies with all applicable building codes as defined by the Florida Building Code.

(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.

(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 Florida Building Code.

(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 120 days after the purchase of the solar energy equipment.

(6)  REBATE AVAILABILITY.--The commission 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 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 commission 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; s. 3, ch. 2008-191; s. 61, ch. 2008-227.

¹Note.--As amended by s. 3, ch. 2008-191. Subparagraph (3)(a)1. was also amended by s. 61, ch. 2008-227, and that version reads:

1.  The system is installed by a state-licensed solar or plumbing contractor, or for the installation of standing seam hybrid thermal roofs, a roofing contractor.