2020 has been a tumultuous year. Despite the ups and downs of a pandemic and economic uncertainty, solar energy overcame all obstacles to flourish in this historic year.  The solar industry forged its path through legislative victories and improved technology to see substantial growth in residential and commercial installations. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an increase of 51% for Solar Photovoltaic Installers from 2019 to 2029. The number of installers could grow from 12,000 to over 18,000. This far exceeds the growth seen in most other professions.

Last month the SEIA, Solar Energies Industries Association, vocalized their dissent of the upcoming reduction of the solar ITC, Investment Tax Credit. The ITC is dollar for dollar, federal tax credit worth 26% of homeowner or company’s solar investment. The tax credit will save you money. It is a policy passed by Congress to incentivize and help with the transition to solar power. The SEIA is calling on Congress to pass an extension to the ITC. The current rate is 26%.

This week President-elect Joe Biden introduced key officials and cabinet members. Among those members was the man tasked with leading the way to address and combat climate change, John Kerry. The selection of John Kerry marks a significant refocusing on climate change. President-elect Joe Biden emphasizes the importance of reducing emissions, rejoining the Paris Agreement, investing in renewable energy, and incentivizing the private sectors. The United States can expect more growth in solar; thus, Florida can expect more growth too.

The President of SEIA, Abigail Ross Hopper, stated to reporters on November 17th, 2020 about their number one priority. The SEIA wants to prioritize the expansion and broadening of the ITC. According to President Hopper, “broadening the solar industry’s key federal tax credit will provide the most measurable relief as it weathers the economic difficulties of the pandemic.”

Since 2007, Region Solar has been an established and proven Sarasota-based company that offers full service for residential and commercial properties’ solar needs. It’s a veteran-owned, family-run business that provides the best service and highest quality equipment for all their solar installations. With over a decade of service, Region Solar has helped turn Sarasota towards solar.

America’s dependability on solar has been steadily increasing over the past two decades. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “installations have increased 35-fold to an estimated 62.5 gigawatts today. The increase in installations is enough capacity to power the equivalent of 12 million average American homes. Since the beginning of 2014, the average cost of solar photovoltaic panels has dropped nearly 50%.” The cost decreases result from an evolving market that is becoming self-sufficient, self-reliant, and more affordable.

Americans are turning away from their reliance on fossil fuels, and solar energy is becoming integral for American self-sufficiency. Solar combats climate change and rising utility costs. Lawmakers have rallied around this call to arms. Politicians have noticed this trend and created a policy to incentivize consumers. Perhaps the most massive incentive is the ITC, Investment Tax Credit.

The SolarTogether program is a program offered by the utility company, Florida Power and Light (FPL). SolarTogether creates opportunities for solar investment in large scale installations. In March, the Florida Public Service Committee agreed to allow FPL’s plan to move forward, allowing FPL to break ground on its $1.8 billion investment in 20 additional solar-power plants. FPL hopes to add 1,490 megawatts of solar capacity. The program is a significant win for solar advocacy groups, and the program will drastically increase solar-power accessibility in Florida.

Florida residents will be happy to find that multiple advantages and incentives can reduce the cost of installation for their rooftop solar panels. With the year coming to a close, it is essential to make the most out of the savings. While there is still time, let’s take a moment to look at these advantages.