The PSC has to hear out the requests of Nweze and most likely conduct an additional study to prove their decision is not going to affect the lower income working class Floridians as harshly as Ms. Nweze condemns. Her letter attacks solar panels, stating that only the rich and affluent can afford them and “he bottom line is simple. Forcing low- and middle-income Floridians to subsidize energy-efficiency upgrades for those who can afford them is immoral and wrong.”

To be clear to the public, the program Nweze is attacking, estimates at this time, an 18cent per month, per meter charge or rate impact measure to fund the program. This is more that 20X less than storm clean up.

However, in order to humor, Ms. Nweze’s rant and fight for the poor who in her words, “are not the source of the problem because they do not own energy hogging pool pumps, plasma tv’s and don’t even have air conditioning”, let’s just see how much money the PSC is robbing from the poor so the rich can live so lavishly.

Just on the Florida Power and Light grid alone the program would generate approximately $13.8 Million annually to help subsidize energy efficiency upgrades. Let’s also assume 10% of that money must go to administration and marketing to make people aware of the program and ensure money is paid out timely and fairly. That would leave around $12.4 Million available annually for the investment.

Let’s assume that 25% of that money is used to subsidize the cost of solar water heaters with a $500 rebate. Resulting in just over 6,000 new solar water heating systems installed to replace old, high energy using, electric hot water heaters.

Now if Ms. Nweze looked deeper into this pool of money, passed her self serving reflection, she would promote and encourage this program to her under paid constituents which she represents. She would also recommend they take advantage of the State low cost loan program for solar water heating. By doing so, those she is looking to protect could actually benefit from  a 5-10% rise in their income by not having to pay for electric water heating. Be it as it may, she is talking about people who make a mere $10k on paper, but being able to keep an extra $1000 per year might mean a lot to that person, especially since it means a lot to MOST people…

As for the remaining 75% of the money not used for marking, administration or solar water heaters, this money could be used for an additional 930 solar photovoltaic generating systems for the “rich people”. Rich people like the postal worker, boat engine mechanic, school administrator, retired van line sales person, aerospace engineer, body shop technician and high school sports coach we just installed solar energy systems for.

All in all, the program would offset approximately 20MW of dirty power consumed each year for a mere 18cents per meter per month. If the power company could build power plants in mini-doses, according to Moody’s Investor Services, the cost would range around $6000 per kilowatt. (See article).

In other words, here is a chart which severely disproves Nweze’s claim that building new generation will cost the poor 1/3rd less than energy efficiency. But perhaps, what she means is that if new plants are built the PSC should charge higher income earners more…

It is letters like Nweze’s, while her intent is good, her information and accuracy to clearly represent her cause will result in more tax dollars spent by all income classes to give the public service commission more time to research what they already know is false. Just the simple task of drafting more proof will cost money. Please take 10 minutes of your time to support the PSC decision to create a rebate program for energy efficiency upgrades to your home, such as solar water heaters, photovoltaic’s, high efficiency air conditioners and compact florescent light bulbs. (Contact the PSC Here)

JUPITER FARMS, FL – If you’ve ever considered converting to solar power, now may be the best time to do it.

Bill Hoysradt, the president of Abundant Energy in Jupiter says, “I called it the sexy solar…it’s the one that’s got the buzz right now.”

That sexy solar is the photovoltaic system, and with everyone focusing on energy conservation these days Hoysradt says, “Right now would be the best time for someone to consider investing in solar. The products that are available currently are the highest quality products that have been available ever.”

Just one small panel can generate enough power to run your refrigerator every day.

Combine that with a solar water heater, replacing incandescent bulbs and proper insulation, and you’re well on your way to becoming nearly energy independent.

The solar systems cost around 18 thousand, and go up from there. But the state pays you a rebate that could put an extra 4 to 8 thousand dollars in your pocket. There is a federal tax credit of 30%.

Hoysradt says, “By the time the consumer gets to the net investment it turns out to be cheaper to own the equipment to generate the power than it is to buy the power on a monthly basis from FPL.” “If everybody had a little bit then the impact becomes enormous,” he added.

By Patty Pensa |South Florida Sun Sentinel 6:02 PM EDT, May 20, 2009

Solar Water Heating by Abundant Energy Boca Raton

BOCA RATON – At the Broken Sound Club — where upscale meets earthy — solar panels heat its pool, water machines replace plastic bottles and motion-sensitive light switches save electricity.

FAFCO Solar Pool Heating by Abundant Energy

And then there’s composting. The private club is turning to the age-old farm practice in its latest and most expensive effort to go green.

Already, the private club that offers resort-style living has a laundry list of environmental initiatives. It has spent thousands of dollars in the span of two years and plans to invest hundreds of thousands more.

Eventually, club leaders say, it will reap the reward of huge cost savings.