POLICY CHANGES FOR ACHIEVING 40 GW IN SOLAR ROOF TOP
Florida governor Rick Scott officially signed into law on Friday – the bill making solar and renewable energy equipment on commercial buildings exempt from property taxes for 20 years, beginning next year.
The bill also removes burdensome taxes on solar installations by exempting 80% of their value from the tangible personal property tax, and includes key consumer protection provisions.
“This legislation will help Florida take its rightful place as a solar star,” said SEIA president and CEO Abigail Ross Hopper. “The state’s market doubled last year and we expect this new law will help Florida become one of the top five solar states in short order. We are particularly enthusiastic about the strong consumer protections in the legislation that provide transparency to customers and clear rules of the road for solar installers.
“This is a victory for Florida, solar customers, and non-solar customers alike,” said Patrick Altier, President of Florida Solar Energy Industries Association (FlaSEIA). “Better tax policy means more local jobs, lowered energy costs, and more clean, affordable, solar energy in the Sunshine State.”
“It is clear that the people of Florida demand good solar policy – the voters have spoken, as has the Legislature, and now finally the Governor.”
“Reducing taxes is smart energy policy, “This effort has been supported by a historic coalition and unanimous legislative support, along with a resounding public vote. The Sunshine State has spoken, and they said: We want the freedom to choose to solar.”
This new law will enable the Sunshine State to continue its excellent solar progress. Last year, the solar market grew by more than 200%, with solar jobs surging 25%.
