Property Tax Reform for Solar Panels for Homes

Things are starting to look promising for Florida homeowners seeking the installation of solar panels for their home. The Florida legislature, both in the House and Senate unanimously approved for signing a bill that would prohibit the local Florida property tax assessor from adding the value of solar panels to the homes property tax assessment.

As stated in the related summary of the bill this measure was supported by Florida voters during the 2008 general election as a ballot amendment. The unanimous vote in both the Senate 39-0 and House 119-0 is now awaiting the signature of Florida Governor Scott and the provisions would take effect July 1, 2013. This is a small step forward for the residential solar panel installation market and gives many homeowners relief when looking to install solar panels for their home.

Florida has long lagged behind many other states particularly in residential solar panels for homes. Many people say that it is the cost of solar panels for homes that has kept people from installing solar panels but other argue that it has to do with prohibitive policy which this bill finally eliminates. Once a homeowner installs solar panels to reduce their energy bill they will not have to worry about their property taxes encroaching or eliminating their savings. Many assessors in Florida have not previously added taxes for home solar panels, but that was based on choice not law.

We congratulate our legislature for coming together in this truly bipartisan issue without objection and giving certainty to homeowners wishing to install solar panels on their home in Florida. Homeowners looking to install solar panels now have the certainty that their solar pool heating panels, solar photovoltaic PV panels, inverters, solar storage tanks, solar water heating panels, solar pumps and accessories will not add to their property tax bill. Certainty is what we believe as an industry will lead to a more competitive solar market in the State of Florida. Florida already has one of the most progressive solar energy net-metering policies and solar access laws. This policy adds to that benefit.

The bill was supported by the Florida Solar Energy Industries association, The Vote Solar Initiative, and sponsored by Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, Rep Diaz, Rep Berman and Rep Santiago. We thank them all for their efforts and look forward to Governor Rick Scott signing this bill into Law.

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West Palm Beach, Northwood (PRWEB) 22 April, 2013 -  Rain or Shine the Northwood Community Garden was to be dedicated on Earth Day. The small neighborhood community just on the north side of the city of West Palm Beach was having a gathering to celebrate the opening of a 100% sustainable community garden. City Mayor Jeri Muoio provided some kind words to those in attendance and congratulating those who volunteered. to make the project a success.

The garden is designed to be 100% sustainable. It will gather water in cisterns for the drip irrigation system. A solar panel with provide power to the drip irrigation pumps. The area will be lit in the evening by LED lighting and any energy consumed will be offset by the trellis array of solar panels installed by Abundant Energy Inc. from Jupiter.

The community garden is an open air space where residents of the Northwood neighborhood can gather, grow and pick fresh vegetables. The all organic non-commercial atmosphere of the Northwood area can be found in many of the local boutique style restaurants such as Relish or Malakor Thai Cafe which hosted the dedication cocktail reception.

While the solar panels produce clean green energy the Community Garden will be producing fresh organic produce. Much of the produce is already being claimed at a local soup kitchen in West Palm Beach now able to provide healthier meals to those who otherwise would have none. It is wonderful to think that a project that began as a group of neighbors meeting for coffee has turned into a solar powered sustainable community garden, one of the first of its kind in West Palm Beach.

No good deed goes unpunished. Controversy swirled around the Community Garden as the Mayor said she had received some negativity from locals who were upset that the city was spending money on such a project. Fortunately, she was able to respond that the City of West Palm Beach had invested Zero dollars in the project. The Quantum foundation provided a community development grant to get the project started and everything from the engineering, development and solar panels were donated by individuals and companies who wanted to ensure that the Community Garden was a success. 

Abundant Energy Inc. of Jupiter FL, a local solar panel installer donated the solar panels, inverters and all of the electrical hook up. Employees from Abundant Energy volunteered their time on a Saturday to come perform the installation. “We install solar panels every day and every day solar panels are doing good things but it feels really good when people donate their time and knowing that these solar panels are making a difference in a community,” said President and CEO Bill Hoysradt.

About Abundant Energy

Abundant Energy Inc is a Jupiter Florida based solar energy contractor. Abundant Energy primarily serves the residential market in Florida installing solar panels for homes. Abundant Energy also services the small and mid sized commercial market installing solar panels for businesses looking to increase their sustainability and lock in their energy costs for the long term. Abundant Energy installs solar electric systems, solar water heaters and solar swimming pool heating systems. Abundant Energy also installs solar panels for homes and businesses in New Jersey. For more information about solar panels visit http://www.abundantenergy.com

Contact:

Justin Hoysradt

VP / Sales & Marketing

561-744-5421

http://www.abundantenergy.com

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