Alternative Energy
Mission:
To reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and to increase long-term financial savings for families and businesses through the adoption of small-scale alternative energy power systems suitable for residences and small businesses.
Introduction:
With all the sun and wind we have here in the Florida Keys you might expect to see solar panels and windmills on many rooftops. But you don't, primarily because our energy from the electric companies has been relatively inexpensive and reliable. However, as all our energy prices continue to increase, with new incentives from the state and federal governments, an increased awareness of the impact of energy use on global warming, and the increased potential of hurricane related disruptions in our electrical supply alternative forms of energy are beginning to become more feasible.
Alternative energy systems are not only good for the environment but they also help to increase your family's long-term financial savings.
Solar energy is the most obvious alternative. Homeowners and businesses can capture solar energy with either photovoltaic electric panels or water-heating panels. Solar water heaters are most economical and deliver the quickest financial savings. Photovoltaic electric systems are more expensive and complex but offer the biggest long-term savings and reductions in fossil fuel use.
Wind power is another potential alternative energy source for homeowners but to date neither the state nor federal governments are offering incentives for residential wind power. Unlike solar energy products wind power is not as much of a proven energy source here in the Keys. Although the Keys get a lot of wind the frequent changes in direction places stress on the machinery resulting in potentially more maintenance costs.
Solar Energy Advantages & Disadvantages
Many of us know that solar energy is a good thing, but few really understand why. Here is comprehensive list of solar energy advantages and disadvantages... that will enable you to make an educated decision whether on not Solar Power is right for YOU.
Government Incentives:
The Federal government offers a variety of incentives, including a 10% tax credit for energy efficiency improvements (up to a maximum of $500) and a 30% tax credit up to $2,000 for the purchase and installation of residential photovoltaic (solar electric) and solar water heating systems.
Florida does not charge a sales tax for purchase of solar energy products and, in 2006 the state started Solar Energy System Incentives Program for the purchase and installation of solar energy systems. The program provides rebates to Florida residents, businesses, non-profits, and public facilities who purchase and install a new PV system of 2 KW or larger, a solar water heating system that provides at least 50% of a building's hot water consumption, or a solar thermal pool heater. The incentive amounts for each solar technology are as follows:
- Solar Photovoltaic Systems: Residential: $4 per watt DC up to $20,000; Non-residential: $4 per watt DC up to $100,000
- Solar Water Heating Systems: Residential: $500 per installation; Non-residential: $15 per 1,000 BTU up to $5,000 (BTUs must be metered).
- Solar Thermal Pool Heaters: $100 per installation.
More information on state and federal incentives can be found at http://www.dsireusa.org.
What You Can Do:
- Buy Green Energy Credits from Keys Energy
- Install a solar hot water heater
- Install a photovoltaic electric system
- Buy the most energy efficient AC system possible