Ryann Lynn, Environment Florida Research and Policy Center
The Environment America Research and Policy Center (a national network comprised of environmental groups) released a ranking of the top cities in the United States for solar energy.
Four Florida cities were recognized for their use of solar energy. A fifth “Solar Star,” despite its lack of population, is still making significant progress.
Did your Florida city receive recognition for the low cost and use of solar energy by an organization? Residents of Florida are not surprised to see that they’re doing their part to harness the Sunshine State’s abundant resources. Florida’s prices are slightly lower than the national average for going Solar.
JACKSONVILLE
Jacksonville is ranked No. 19 in the nation. The United States ranks 19th in solar energy. The high number of peak sun hours (nearly 1,800 per year) and incentives in the local area make solar energy even more appealing.
Many people want to use solar power to reduce their expenses. In Jacksonville, solar panel purchases are not subject to sales tax. This means that buyers can save up to 6%.
Solar panels can save you up to $800 in your first year. Solar panels also increase the value of your property.
The rise in the resale price of a home is a benefit that comes before taxes. This is a win-win situation for solar panel owners.
TAMPA
Tampa is ranked No. The city of Tampa ranks No. 29 on the list of top solar cities in America, mainly because it offers many rebates and incentives. Tampa business and residential owners are eligible for the following benefits:
Tax exemptions on property
Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
State sales tax exemptions
Florida may be sunny all year round, but storms in the summer can cause cloudy skies. Tampa residents and businesses can choose between solar panels and the electrical grid.
Tampa Electric Company makes it simple for customers to send excess energy to the grid. This allows residents to collect solar credits through Net Metering.
ORLANDO
Orlando comes in at No. Orlando is ranked 32 on the list of top cities for solar energy. Orlando and Florida generally have lower solar panel costs than the national average.
Orlando’s residents and businesses pay an average of between $10,000 and $13,000. The initial cost difference, combined with local incentives and rebates, makes going Solar an attractive option in Florida.
MIAMI
Solar panels are slightly more expensive in Miami than in Orlando. It’s still cheaper than the rest of the nation. Miami is ranked No. Miami ranks No. 53 on the list of top solar cities in America.
The initial investment ranges between $12,000 to $15,000, but many incentive programs can offset this cost. Florida’s exemption from sales tax, local state incentives, and federal incentives make Miami Solar a cost-saving option.
TALLAHASSEE
Tallahassee did not make the national list, but it doesn’t mean that you should disregard it in terms of moving solar. The city was not ranked because it did not meet the report’s requirements for population. It still has a large solar capacity.
The Tallahassee International Airport, for example, has a solar farm that is 64 megawatts. This alone is enough energy for the city to be named a “Solar Star.”
Florida’s capital city continues to make significant steps toward achieving 100% clean, renewable energy by the year 2050.
Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey said, “With our second solar farm completed at our airport, Tallahassee is a national leader in producing 328 Watts of solar power per resident, and we are also the first Florida city to be able to supply 100 percent of its city buildings with solar electricity.”