Programs

Florida renewable energy and energy efficiency

Florida offers a variety of incentive programs to encourage the adoption of renewable energy and the improvement of energy efficiency, which are available for residential, commercial and industrial customers as well as non-profit organizations and government agencies.

A history of renewable energy and energy efficiency in Florida

In 1980, Florida enacted the Florida Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (FEECA), requiring the Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC) to review the conservation goals of each utility. In 2014, the FPSC approved new numerical conservation goals for seven utilities subject to FEECA, scheduling demand reductions for each utility based on a cost-effectiveness methodology¹. In addition to the energy conservation goals, the Florida legislature passed the Florida Energy Conservation and Sustainable Buildings Act in 2008, requiring the use of energy-efficient equipment and design, and solar energy devices for heating and cooling of state buildings².

In 2008, Florida enacted legislation (H.B. 7135) to require that the Florida Public Service Commission adopt rules for net metering and interconnection for investor-owned utilities for renewable-energy systems with capacity up to 2MW. In addition, it required municipal utilities and electric cooperatives to offer net metering without stipulating standards³.

Most of the Florida's renewable electricity generation comes from biomass and solar energy⁴. At the end of the second quarter of 2019, Florida had 3,337.04 MW of installed solar generating capacity, ranking fifth in the nation⁵. Florida law approves the leasing of solar energy devices and also allows for the creation of easements for solar energy systems⁶, but it does not allow third-party power purchase agreements.

Florida's Renewable Portfolio Standard

Florida does not have a renewable energy portfolio standard or a voluntary renewable energy target.

Important renewable energy organizations in Florida

The Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC) was created by the Florida Legislature in 1887 with the primary purpose to regulate the railroad industry. The Commission undertook more additional responsibilities as Florida's industry base diversified⁷. The FPSC regulates investor-owned electric utilities to facilitate the efficient provision of safe and reliable utility services at fair prices. In addition, the Commission issued an order requiring the state's investor-owned electric utilities to provide information on their fuel mix to customers on a quarterly basis⁸. Although the FPSC does not fully regulate municipal or electric cooperative utilities, the Commission does have jurisdiction, with regard to rate structure, territorial boundaries, bulk power supply operations and planning⁹.

The Office of Energy is the legislatively designated state energy policy and program development office in Florida. It developed the Florida Energy and Climate Plan, including nine focus areas, to increase efficiency, install renewables, research new technologies and increase the use of alternative fuels in transportation¹⁰.

The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) was created by the Florida Legislature in 1975 to serve as the state's energy research institute. Under the Solar Energy Standards Act of 1976, the FSEC is responsible for certifying all solar equipment sold in Florida¹¹.

Utilities in Florida also play a significant role in advancing renewable energy and energy efficiency. There are five investor-owned utilities (IOUs) in the state, which are Florida Power & Light Company, Duke Energy Florida, Tampa Electric Company, Gulf Power Company and Florida Public Utilities Company. In addition to IOUS, there are 34 municipal utilities and 18 electric cooperatives utilities in Florida.

How to go solar in Florida

You can install solar panels on your property and benefit directly from solar energy in Florida. The best way to go solar is to compare multiple quotes - you can join the EnergySage Marketplace for free to begin comparing your options from installation companies near you. Want to start with a little more research? Check out average prices for solar in Florida, or read through reviews of the best local solar installers in Florida.

Footnotes

1. DSIRE. “Energy Efficiency Goals”. https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/detail/4505. Accessed October 17, 2019
2. DSIRE. “Energy Conservation in Public Buildings”. https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/detail/341. Accessed October 17, 2019
3. DSIRE. “Net Metering”. https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/detail/2880. Accessed October 17, 2019
4. EIA. “Florida Profile Analysis”. https://www.eia.gov/state/analysis.php?sid=FL. Accessed October 18, 2019
5. SEIA. “Florida Solar”. https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/florida-solar. Accessed October 18, 2019
6. DSIRE. “Renewable Energy Easements & Rights Laws”. https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/detail/28. Accessed October 18, 2019
7. FPSC. “History of the PSC”. http://www.psc.state.fl.us/AboutPSC/PSCHistory. Accessed October 22, 2019
8. DSIRE. “Fuel Mix Disclosure”. https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/detail/533. Accessed October 22, 2019
9. FPSC. “Overview and Key Facts”. http://www.psc.state.fl.us/AboutPSC/Overview. Accessed October 22, 2019
10. Office of Energy. “Florida Energy and Climate Plan”. https://www.fdacs.gov/ezs3download/download/89011/2560887/Media/Files/Energy-Files/Florida%20Energy%20and%20Climate%20Plan.pdf. Accessed October 22, 2019
11. DSIRE. “Solar Equipment Certification”. https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/detail/376. Accessed October 22, 2019