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.
