When FPL begins taking applications for their solar thermal and PV rebate programs June 21, 2011, installations in Florida are expected to increase significantly. However, many people will be hesitant to jump into the pool of renewable energy due to lack of information. A lot of people just don’t know enough about this type of energy to want to spend money and incorporate a system into the biggest investment they have: their own home. There is an easy fix for this: knowledge. We are all aware of the old saying “knowledge is power “and we here at US Solar Institute and our affiliate partner Florida Solar One are here to help.
Whether you intend to install a solar thermal system, or a PV system, both systems must be installed by qualified solar contractors to be eligible for the rebate program. In the state of Florida, this person must be issued a license through the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), and is given in accordance with the scope of work preformed. If you intend to install a solar thermal system, you will need someone who holds a residential solar water heating license (CW). This person has met all requirements for this scope of work and has been approved by the state to do such. A licensed plumbing contractor or (CF) is also authorized to install solar water heaters, but depending on your location, the building department may require them to sub contract out any roofing, or electrical work. If you intend to install a PV system or a PV system in addition to a solar thermal system, then it is best to go with someone who holds a Certified Contractor’s License (CV)—like Florida Solar One, license # CVC56788. This person has met all of the requirements needed to install either residential or commercial solar water heating, solar pool heating, and photovoltaic systems. A person holding a certified Electrical Contracting License (EC) who has been properly trained in photovoltaics, may install a PV system but depending on your local building department, may be required to sub contract any roofing done.
Always do your research ahead of time and find out what your local building department requires because each one is different. When it comes to actually choosing a licensed contractor, there are many ways in which one can check the credentials of the person they are hiring to make sure the right person is selected. By visiting the Florida Solar Industries Association’s website at www.flaseia.org, you are given a list of contractors across the state and their license number. To verify a contractor’s license, visit the Florida Department of Business and Professional regulations by website at www.myfloridalicense.com or by calling (850) 487-1395. Your local building department can also be a good resource, and finally, once you have found a contractor it is a good idea to visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer services website to find out if any complaints have been filed against the contractor. All of these resources are available for free and are designed to help ensure you get the best, most experienced person to install your system so it functions properly for years to come.
As a licensed Department of Education institute, we’re always here to help and answer any questions you may have. Feel free to contact US Solar Institute at any time at (954) 236-4577 or info@ussolarinstitute.com. Stay tuned for upcoming blog posts about FPL solar rebates.
