Frustrated by a lack of control over local energy issues, Sarasota County leaders are considering the creation of a government-run solar electric utility that would provide cheaper electricity bills and a free solar hot water heater for everyone.
The county would pay for and own solar water heaters in residents’ homes. The only cost to consumers would be a monthly bill for the solar energy.
That would mean two electric bills for participating homeowners. But the customer would still save money on electricity because Sarasota County would charge less than Florida Power & Light for a home’s hot water.
A citizens’ committee asked by county leaders to develop local solar incentives formally recommended the solar utility idea this week.
The proposal will be considered by the County Commission on April 14. If adopted, the system will put Sarasota County in rare company; only 35 communities in the country have solar hot water incentive programs.
Larry Altman, who headed Sarasota County’s advisory committee, touted the concept of having the county absorb the cost of installing solar water heaters in homes.
“This is a guaranteed savings on your electric bill: no money down, no mainten
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Hell NO!
I’d much rather use nuclear, solar would just take more money that these stupid liberals are already taking out of my pocket
I don’t live in Florida but I do live in SC. I would fully support solar power. Sunny places could possibly have enough energy to power mostly cloudy places! What a great idea!!
I trust solar energy but I don’t trust the government. Look at their track record. The government never does a good job at anything. Leave energy production to private industry and get the government out of the way.
Yes, I believe in solar power. I would support this type of a system. I plan to look more into this story for my website. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. I hadn’t read about this anywhere, yet.
It sounds like Sarasota County is going to sort of rent solar water heaters, and it won’t be mandatory. It’s a win for someone who gets the solar heater, because they will pay less for heating their water. It could be a win for the county, too, because after a few years (like maybe 5), the residents will still be paying their monthly water heating bills, but the water heaters will be all paid for.
If someone doesn’t like the program, they can always buy their own solar water heater on their own, and get the full benefits after it pays for itself. Or, they can stay with FP&L, which is a government-regulated entity anyway.
Solar water heating is a big win in Hawaii. Hawaiian electric gives a rebate on them, and the heaters pay for themselves in just a few years.