Solar is more efficient and affordable than ever before, and now is a great time to go solar in Florida. Between the 26% federal solar tax credit, solar co-op programs, net-metering, and pro-solar governmental policies on the state and national levels, there has never been a better time for Florida homeowners to make the switch to solar.

It’s easy to fall in love with the solar industry. As efficiency of solar panels advance and regulations expedite the growth and acceptance, one theme stays constant; solar continues to become more affordable. The idea of transforming your home into a renewable energy source that can produce power for the entire family is easy to get behind. But in the early years, the high price and lack of awareness created a lot of friction to market. Today is a much different story.

People have continued to turn towards solar energy. Utility-scale, residential, and commercial solar installations have been increasing. Much of this is due to the necessity to build a renewable, sustainable future. After all, a social movement aimed at combating the climate crisis has come to the forefront. Solar-friendly policies and cost-efficient technology have grown as catalysts in making solar energy more accessible and affordable. Perhaps the most influential accelerator is the solar federal Investment Tax Credit. The ITC is a 26% federal tax credit. If someone invests in a solar system, they can deduct 26% of the installation’s cost from their federal taxes, and this tax credit will last until the end of 2022. The ITC is directly responsible for the drastic increase in residential and commercial solar installations because it helps consumers save money. As policies and technology improve, so do our solar capabilities. This week, we will look at two fantastic stories that help us see what solar can do and where it can go.

Solar energy has been surging for years, and it’s only the beginning. This week, we are going to look deeper into Florida’s success with solar energy. The Sunshine State is one of the best states in the country for solar capacity. Florida’s solar industry owes its success to tax incentives, sunshine, and the significant socio-political movement to combat climate change

It was only six months ago when Sarasota County was recognized for its achievements in solar power. Sarasota was awarded “Silver” after being recognized for “taking bold steps to encourage solar energy growth and remove obstacles to solar development,” according to SolSmart. SolSmart defines itself as “a national designation program recognizing cities, counties, and regional organizations that foster the development of mature local solar markets.”

Last week we covered what Biden’s administration has planned for renewable energy and how it pertains to solar. This week, We look at what to expect with his plan that will surely meet opposition in Congress. This $2.2 trillion bill hasn’t been introduced to the House yet, but Biden has been busy combating climate change anyway.

As The United States moves forward under new leadership, it’s essential to understand what that vision looks like for solar and renewable energy. One of President Biden’s key issues will be addressing climate change. He has promised to combat climate change throughout his campaign and repeatedly addressed the urgency and responsibility that he, Congress, and all the American people will have before them. Let’s take a closer look at Biden’s ‘Build Back Better’ plan about solar energy.

Residential photovoltaic (PV) installations are considered a major home upgrade. Households that invest in solar can instantly save money by reducing utility costs. Eventually, homeowners will save enough money where it covers the cost of the solar installation. This is referred to as the return of investment, or ROI. We will look at the expected ROI for solar systems installed in 2021. Not only do solar consumers save money, but their solar investment will increase the value of their homes. Their home appreciates just for having solar panels installed. We will also analyze the increased property value expected with installing a solar system in Florida.

As we beckon in a new year, we are reminded of the past. After a tumultuous year, people worldwide are ready to emerge out of the pandemic, eager to get back to normalcy. We have experienced an increase in home utility bills during the pandemic, the decrease of door-to-door sales, and the rise of online sales for solar. Like every significant sector, solar took a hit from the pandemic. Yet, the new year brings in new hope and anticipation. Solar is looking up for 2021.

It was a Christmas miracle reminiscent of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Congress passed an extension of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) on December 27th, 2020. The President signed off on a 2.3 Trillion dollar spending and relief package. The government shutdown was avoided, and the much-needed Covid-19 relief was included. The American public can expect a two-year extension for the 26% ITC in addition to the $600 stimulus checks.