Sadly, the battle against Florida’s net metering law changes is not looking good. While we’ve not given up just yet, it’s wise to now consider how solar customers can protect themselves from the potential law changes.
You must sign up before July 2022 to qualify for the existing Florida net metering laws.
February 8 Florida Solar Rally and Committee Meeting
Tuesday, Feb 8 was a busy day: the net metering bill was up in the Senate Committee on Rules at the same time that our Save Our Solar Rally took place outside at the Capitol. Though the bill passed out of the committee 13-3, our efforts made a huge impact with more than 400 folks in attendance! The feedback we have received as a result of Florida Power Services’ contribution has been positive and we’ll continue to fight for our solar rights here in Florida. Special thanks to the many of you who made the long journey to Tallahassee – you made a difference!Is Florida Net Metering Going Away?
Florida net metering as we know it is at serious risk of going away. On February 8, a Florida House subcommittee gave the green light to a bill that will allow power companies to pay significantly lower rates to solar customers for their solar electricity sent to the grid. House Bill 741 and Senate Bill 1024 have been described as a ‘redesign’ of Florida net metering. Florida net metering helps solar customers drastically reduce their costs to improve their return on investments. Without it, the industry is set to take a truly huge hit. Installers, employees, customers and the climate will all suffer.How Can I Get Grandfathered Into Net Metering?
Act Before July 2022!
If you want to get grandfathered into the current Florida net metering agreement, you must get your solar project signed up before July 2022! Doing so will allow you to continue to sell your solar energy generation back to the grid at the existing rate. If you don’t get grandfathered in, you will face the new net metering laws that will have a huge impact on your finances. Florida Power Services is happy to help. If you have any questions or are looking to start your solar installation before July 2022, give us a call today.What Is Net Metering?
New to solar? Here’s what Florida net metering is: Net metering is a system that allows solar customers to send their excess energy generation back to the grid in exchange for payment from the local energy provider. As an example, let’s say you install $35,000 worth of solar panels on your rooftop home in Tampa. Now, you can make money from the sun’s rays every day. The local energy provider gives you retail rate credits for the power you share. It’s a reward for your investment in clean energy. It also significantly reduces how long it takes to make a return on your investment. But, with the HB741/SB1024 bill, you’ll be getting paid far less for that energy sharing. The utilities will still be taking your energy and selling it to other customers, but they’ll be the ones profiting.Why You Must Act Fast:
As already mentioned, you must sign up before July 2022 to get grandfathered into the existing Florida net metering agreement. However, there are other reasons why you must not delay if you’re looking to invest in solar before then.Equipment Delays
Many Florida solar providers are suffering from the current equipment shortages that have yet to go away since the start of COVID-19. Many Florida solar companies are struggling to complete their solar projects on time, with delays of 4-6 months delays. Here at Florida Power Services, we’re happy to say we’ve planned ahead and any delays will be merely a few weeks – not several months. So if you want to get your solar project started before July 2022, look no further.Rising Equipment Prices
Solar equipment prices are also rising. We’ve recently purchased a limited amount of panels to lock in our pricing. After these are gone, there will be an 8.5% price increase. Act fast to get in ahead of the rest and take advantage of these great prices.2022 Federal Solar Tax Credits
Did you know that 2022 and 2023 are the last chance and final years to enjoy 22% savings through Federal Tax Credits? After 2023 it will drop to 0%! You can save thousands of dollars by acting now and getting a solar installation started before the deadlines. For example, if your solar installation costs $10,000, then you would receive Solar Tax Credits of $2,200 in 2022 – reducing your costs significantly! Add in the net metering grandfathering bill and there is no reason to wait! If you want solar on your roof, now is the time to start.How Can I Fight The Net Metering Bill?
Although things are not looking good right now, you can still join 93% of Floridians who support net metering by:- Email Florida legislators and urge them to oppose SB 1024 and HB 741
- Use Solar United Neighbors’ easy-to-use email page to contact legislators in minutes.
- Mention that you use solar and that you’re concerned about your future as a solar owner.
- If you work in Solar, mention that you’re concerned about your job.
- Talk about how this may negatively impact your solar investments.
- Let them know your concerns about the climate crisis.
- Let them know you’re concerned about the economic impact on Florida.
- You can find the contact information of your own representatives here.
- Consider donating to ‘The Florida Solar Energy Industries Association’.
