Hello, solar enthusiasts,
I’m here to bring you up to date on some concerning developments in Florida that could impact solar companies and homeowners interested in solar panels for their home. Unfortunately, the Sunshine State, as it’s popularly known, appears to be dimming its commitment to renewable energy sources, notably solar energy.
Going against the current trend, Florida recently decided to abandon ambitious renewable energy targets for 2050, to impose a complete ban on offshore wind projects, and to streamline regulations for gas pipeline expansions. This controversial decision caught the attention of many observers, industry stakeholders, and those interested in deploying a solar array for home use.
Governor Desantis has signed legislation that removes the state’s ambitious goals to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2050. Furthermore, the new legislation also bans all offshore wind projects within one mile off the coast. This decision is stirring up controversy as Florida, known for its radiant sunshine, is an ideal place for solar development.
Quite paradoxically, the state has also put restrictions on using the term “climate change” in government documents. This is posing a daunting challenge, given the state has already started to see the impact of climate change on its coastal regions. For instance, insurance agencies are pulling out of covering homeowners due to an increase in intensity and damage from hurricanes tied to climate change.
The massive retraction of renewable energy targets and relaxation of regulations around gas pipelines is further highlighted by the data from pv magazine USA’s 50 States of Solar. The overall numbers indicate that over the past year, only a minor 6.88% of the total electricity in Florida comes from solar power. While utility-scale solar power has shown some improvement, small-scale solar contributed only 1.88% to Florida’s total electricity in February.
With all these developments, it’s worth asking; where does this leave homeowners interested in installing solar arrays for their homes? Devoid of substantial support from state regulations, residential and commercial solar endeavors might face headwinds in the coming years. Yet, an interesting turn of events has given a glimmer of hope with Governor Desantis vetoing a bill that would have propelled the decrease of net metering for residential solar power.
These upheavals put Florida in a curious position in the context of the U.S. solar outlook. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, projections estimate that Florida will roll out 15,592 MW of solar over the next five years, which would place it third in the country. While this shows promise for homeowners interested in solar panels for their home, it’s clear that the immediate future of the solar industry in Florida will be a closely watched story, offering insight into the broader national dialogue around renewables.
As always, stay tuned for all things solar, and remember, the power of change lies with us. We have the technology, we have opportunities, and we have the imperative to create a brighter, more sustainable future.
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/05/24/green-zealots-scare-florida-administration-from-100-renewable-goal/
