Solar Codes and Regulations for Florida

Solar technology installations have their own set of rules in Florida - some for the whole state, others put forth by counties or cities.  Wayne's Solar has been in the solar energy industry of Florida since 1983 and our staff is trained in all relevant codes and our company is constantly updating its knowledge of new developments and codes pertaining to solar.

Here is what you need to know about the most important current Florida solar regulations:

Florida law forbids ordinances, deed restrictions, covenants, declarations, or similar binding agreements from prohibiting the use of solar collectors, although certain restrictions may be imposed on homeowners. Community associations are specifically prohibited from preventing the installation of solar collectors on residential rooftops. Florida law also allows easements for the purpose of maintaining exposure of a solar energy system to sunlight. Easements must be created in writing and are subject to being recorded and indexed in the same manner as any other instrument affecting the title to real property. Statutes: Fla. Stat. § 704.07, Fla. Stat. § 163.04, HB 697

Under Florida law, improved real property upon which a renewable energy source device is installed and operated is entitled to an exemption in the amount of the original cost of the device, including the installation cost. The exemption does not include the cost of replacing, removing, or improving existing property in the course of the installation. Renewable energy devices must be installed on or after January 1, 2009, to qualify for the exemption, and the exemption will not be authorized for more than 10 years. Florida Statutes: Fla. Stat. § 196.175, HB 7135

Solar energy systems have been exempt from Florida's sales and use tax since July 1, 1997. The term "solar energy system" means the equipment and requisite hardware that provide and are used for collecting, transferring, converting, storing, or using incidental solar energy for water heating, space heating and cooling, or other applications that would otherwise require the use of a conventional source of energy such as petroleum products, natural gas, manufactured gas, or electricity. In May 2005, the exemption was made permanent when HB 805 (2005) was signed into law.

And remember, if you want to take advantage of all the rebates and credits available as incentives to go solar in various parts of Florida, you are usually required to utilize the services of a licensed solar contractor such as Wayne's Solar, otherwise you are not eligible.  When considering solar power it is always advisable to meet with one of our solar consultants first (it's free!) so that we can assist you with your short and long term goals in regards to incentives and energy savings.

Home Energy Management Systems Put You in Control

If you are looking for ways to increase your home's energy efficiency or test the energy savings of your solar systems, you might consider the addition of an energy management device, which can be easy to install and a breeze to access through your computer's internet. Technology like this lets you know where energy is being wasted, enabling you to then make changes that can save you money on your utility bill.

Saving money through monitoring your electricity use is one way to benefit from the installation of a home energy management system. An extra bonus for our solar customers is that it may also monitor how much power is being produced by a photovoltaic solar electric system! This means you will know in both kilowatts and dollars the amount of power you are getting from the sun, as well as how much you are sending back to the grid.

Looking for a way to track your home energy usage and solar power production in Central and Northeast Florida? Wayne's Solar is headquartered in Ormond Beach and serves the sun-powered energy needs of the surrounding areas including Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Palm Coast, Port Orange, and Daytona. Inquire with us about home energy management systems and allow us to give you a free estimate when you are ready to put the latest solar green technology to work for you.


Wayne's Solar Relocating to Bigger and Better Space


We are happy to announce that our company has moved to a larger space just down the street from our previous location.  Wayne's Solar has relocated from 287 South Yonge Street in Ormond Beach to 357 Andrews Street, near the Performing Arts Center.  It has taken us quite a while to find the appropriate property to call our new home.  We chose this space because we needed more room but we did not want to move so far away that it would affect our walk in customers' convenience.

Our plans for the new office include state of the art solar installations to power the facility so that we can easily demonstrate these money saving solutions to the public.  We plan a festive grand opening celebration in the near future to say thanks to our community and kick off many more years of success providing solar products and green home upgrades to northeast and central Florida.  There will be walk in specials to encourage visits to the office announced soon as well.

Please contact Wayne's Solar for a free estimate on heating your pool, your hot water, or your whole house with the clean free fuel of the sun!


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