WHAT CAN CITIES/COUNTIES DO TO EXPAND SOLAR ENERGY IN FLORIDA?

“I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don’t have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that.” -- Thomas Edison

FLORIDA TODAY  Enormous potential: Experts say we should be in the top THREE states.  Lagging behind: Florida is number 17 in solar installations.  More population’s coming: Today’s population of 20 million will grow to 26 million residents by the year Florida is already sixth in polluting emissions.

What’s Wrong with This Picture ? Florida vs New Jersey Population: 20 million 8.9 million Solar Rooftop Systems: 8,500 43,000

Florida gets one tenth of one percent from solar: the Sunshine State? Really? Florida one of ten states to earn a failing grade on solar

Presenting PACE: Property Assessed Clean Energy Making solar and other energy efficiency investments AFFORDABLE!

PACE: Property Assessed Clean Energy A public-private partnership Makes it easy to finance solar/no credit check When property sold, loan may stay with property Provides unparalleled consumer protections Eligible for most leading types of energy efficiency and solar solutions (also wind mitigation) Commercial or residential application

Household Energy Use in Florida All data from EIA’s 2009 Residential Energy Consumption Survey Electricity accounts for 90% of the energy consumed by Florida households. Annual electricity expenditures are 40% more than the U.S. average. Florida is second only to Texas in total retail sales of electricity to the residential sector.

BENEFITS to CONSUMER Help consumers save money and make better decisions about energy saving products. In 2013, 3 out of 4 new hot water heaters did not meet minimum DOE efficiency standards Provides consumer protections that are unavailable through conventional financing.

Stronger Consumer Protection include: Contractors: Required to have an active, valid license. Required to complete training requirements. Only paid after the job is completed to the customer’s satisfaction. Product Eligibility: eligible products list certified by the Department of Energy Pricing Controls: Fair pricing Permits check required for all projects. Post-installation Mediation

"PACE programs have already provided over $75 million in energy and storm safety improvements to four thousand households and businesses in Florida and the demand among Floridians is growing exponentially. The only complaints we hear are from residents in communities not yet served by our PACE district – they want in." Mayor Philip K. Stoddard of City of South Miami says:

EXPANDING SOLAR thru PACE Governments in Florida that have adopted the PACE program: Counties: 16 including Alachua; Osceola, Marion, Pasco, Charlotte, Clay, Escambia, Flagler, Gadsden, Gulf, Jackson Cities: Dozens! Examples: Orlando, Gainesville, West Palm Beach, 23 in Miami Dade County

RESULT? Homeowners SAVING MONEY

BRINGING SOLAR AND JOBS TO LOW INCOME NEIGHBORHOODS

TODAY’s REQUESTED ACTION: Make a motion to ask staff to research PACE and come back with a recommendation.

LET’S REALLY MAKE FLORIDA- THE SUNSHINE STATE!