Rick Gilbert on Florida Energy Policy

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Rick Gilbert explains why the Sunshine State isn't so solar friendly in this Solar Speaks podcast.

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Solar Source Vice President Rick Gilbert is this week's featured speaker in the Solar Power World podcast series known as Solar Speaks.  In his podcast, "Why the Sunshine State Isn't So Solar Friendly"  Rick explains the complicated history of Florida solar energy policy and what you can do about it.

Among the points he makes:

• Florida lacks a comprehensive renewable energy policy
• In Florida, third party purchases (known as PPAs) are prohibited.
• Florida Investor Owned Utilities are guaranteed a profit of 10 percent.
• The Florida Public Service Commission states that it is in the "public interest" to limit competition and grant electric power monopolies.

The essential rationale behind this argument is that IF customers generate their own power, THEN the utilities will have to charge other users more money so that they can keep up their 10 percent profit.  We all know this is ridiculous, and in fact, 22 other states agree, and allow some form of solar leasing, or third party power purchases.

Solar Source is working to change these policies, and you can help by joining an advocacy organization, such as the Florida Alliance for Renewable Energy.

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DSIRE Solar map of states allowing 3rd party solar PV power purchase agreements.

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