Purchasing and installing solar residential hot water, photovoltaic panels or pool heating equipment allows you to take advantage of one or more financial programs to offset these costs. For instance, living inside the city limits of Tallahassee allows you to take advantage of their "Solar Hot Water Heater Program", the State of Florida Solar Rebate Program and you may also apply for federal tax credits. If you live outside of the Tallahassee area, your local utility provider may also provide programs similar to the City of Tallahassee.
» State of Florida Solar Program
The Florida Solar Energy System Incentives Program provides a set dollar amount rebate for the purchase and installation of solar domestic water heating and solar thermal swimming pool heating systems. Photovoltaic (solar electric) systems and commercial solar water heating system rebates are based upon system size and performance.
- Solar Rebate Form - electronic form, fill out online, then print
- Frequently Asked Questions - more information regarding the State rebate program
» City of Tallahassee Solar Hot Water Heater Program
This program promotes clean, green solar technology. On a south-facing rooftop with good sun exposure, a solar water heater provides about 70 percent of a family's hot water needs. Local installed costs are around $5,000 for a freeze-protected system that can withstand Tallahassee's winter low temperatures. Low interest loans are available in addition to rebates. These rebates are not available for pool heating systems.
- Solar hot water rebate form for homeowners - electronic form, fill out online, then print
- Solar hot water rebate form for homebuilders - must print first then fill out
In addition to the solar hot water heater program, the City of Tallahassee has low interest loans available for qualified residents for may projects, including solar hot water (household or pool) and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. More information can be found at talgov.com
» Residential Solar Federal Tax Credit
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (H.R. 6, Sec. 1335) established a 30% tax credit up to $2,000 for the purchase and installation of residential solar electric and solar water heating property. An individual can take both a 30% credit up to the $2,000 cap for a photovoltaics system and a 30% credit up to a separate $2,000 cap for a solar water heating system. A 30% tax credit up to $500 per 0.5 kilowatt (kW) is also available for fuels cells. Initially scheduled to expire at the end of 2007, the tax credits were extended through December 31, 2008, by Section 206 of the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 (H.R. 6111).