Florida is the Sunshine State. But when it comes to installed solar PV capacity, we don’t even rank in the Top 10.
Even Colorado and Massachusetts outperform us in an industry where we should be #1.
The Florida Alliance for Renewable Energy (FARE) is one of many organizations trying to change this.
Originally launched by long-term US Solar supporter, Mike Antheil, FARE is currently Florida’s largest renewable energy trade association. And it has one simple goal – advocate for legislative policy that will create a “long-term, distributed marketplace for renewable energy in Florida.”
We’re happy to see that Mike is actively involved with FARE again. He’s been one of the state’s biggest solar energy advocates over the years, and his passionate commitment to the cause is infectious. When he asked us to partner with FARE again (after a 2-year hiatus), we simply couldn’t resist.
US Solar Institute Rejoining FARE
But what role can US Solar play? After all, we’re not policy experts or legislative gurus. How can a PV training college, engineering firm and solar parts distributor help FARE succeed in its mission to make Florida’s economy greener and more sustainable?
The Biggest Obstacle to Florida’s Solar Growth Is Education – Not Policy
It’s impossible to overstate the importance of supportive green legislation. If we had the same types of policies that California does, we would undoubtedly be the nation’s undisputed solar leader.
Moreover, better regulations would help prevent much of the abuse and scamming that we’ve witnessed in the past few years. You wouldn’t see companies like Blue Chip Energy defrauding thousands of customers with shoddy parts, useless warranties, or stolen monies.
But policy is not the biggest obstacle to Solow growth in Florida.
Better legislation would certainly help. But with rising electricity rates and falling solar panel costs, our state is quickly approaching grid parity (the point at which utility electricity and solar electricity are the same price). Some might argue that we’ve already reached this milestone.
No. The biggest hurdle remains education – which is precisely what US Solar does best.
Step one involves educating consumers and businesses about the unbelievable benefits of solar technology. This job is actually becoming easier and easier by the moment. As mentioned already, grid electricity prices are on the rise. Solar panel installation costs keep going down. Slowly but surely, the message is getting out there.
Step two is a bit more involved. To ensure that installations go up safely, affordably, and correctly, Florida needs an army of well-trained installers who understand the unique challenges of our semi-tropical climate.
The only way that solar wins is if installations adhere to the strictest quality standards – both in terms of parts and labor.
While FARE continues to lobby for stronger solar guidelines, US Solar will continue developing its Department of Education-license solar PV installation training. These affordable, year-round courses provide students with real-world preparation for some of the most in-demand (and lucrative) jobs in the solar industry.
Affordably priced, these solar courses were designed for lay people, relative beginners, and seasoned veterans alike [Speaking of veterans, we offer free solar PV training courses to returning men and women in uniform. Click this link to learn more].
Help Florida Reclaim It’s Rightful Spot as the Sunshine State
As mentioned before, we are incredibly excited to be working with FARE again. Florida is poised for great things in the months ahead.
The demand for sustainable solar technology is already there. Our job at US Solar is to train a solar workforce able to keep up with this surging demand.
If we succeed (with FARE’s help), then perhaps Florida will truly become the Sunshine State once again.
Welcome back Mike. We look forward to working with you.
- To learn more about our DoE-licensed solar training courses, click here.
- To learn more about solar training discounts for US veterans, click here.
- To learn more about the Florida Alliance for Renewable Energy, click here