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NOTE: This post is now obsolete and this site is no longer actively updated. Permit costs may be different now, and Charlotte County does now require permits for solar pool heating. Solar permitting is not a small cost in most Southwest Florida cities and counties. Typical solar pool heating permit costs range from $53 in Fort Myers to $226 in Collier County, with only one jurisdiction having no charge (Port Charlotte and Charlotte County). Solar water heating permit costs are similar. Solar electric permit costs can exceed $400.00 for typical residential solar permits in some jurisdictions like Naples, with most permit fees in the rangeRead More →

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What was once true has become a myth. In years past, it didn’t make much sense to install solar panels (solar electric/photovoltaic modules) from a financial standpoint without generous subsidies, rebates, and incentives. The payback period was too long for most investors (see my article on the folly of the payback metric here). Except for those lucky enough to access a rebate, the numbers just didn’t make sense. In case you haven’t heard, solar panels have plummeted in price. We’re talking about a >75% drop in wholesale and retail prices in the last three years. Total installed costs have been cut in half. Meanwhile, electricityRead More →

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The average price of solar photovoltaic (electric) systems in Southwest Florida has continued to drop steadily for the last two years, and local prices are lower than national averages for both residential and non-residential systems. According the the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) U.S. Solar Market Insight Report for Q2, 2012, the average price of a residential solar electric system dropped to $5.46 per watt. Larger non-residential systems averaged $4.38 per watt. The comparatively lower prices in our local market result partially from lower than average labor costs and stiff competition, but the numbers are skewed in a way because some leasing companies in otherRead More →

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After an already depressed market in the first quarter of 2012, Florida’s solar electric installations fell to 18th among states in the second quarter of 2012 according to the Solar Energy Industries Association’s quarterly report. After rising to 14th among states in Q1 of this year, Florida regressed below it’s 2011 ranking of 17th among states. This follows a large spike in national solar electric installations with Florida installations remaining stagnant. To blame, in my opinion, is: Continued disruption caused by the FPL rebate program The lack of a cohesive policy in the state regarding renewable energy Lack of availability of financing and reasonable long-termRead More →

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Today I saw quite a few interesting products that can be applicable to our market in Southwest Florida. Here are a few highlights. Canadian Solar is coming out with a three-phase AC solar module with a microinverter integrated. Release is expected in January 2013 pending UL listing. This could greatly simplify commercial installations. QuickMount PV has a great looking roof flashing for small conduit up to 1″. This will be great for bringing PV wires into the attic. Exeltech has a true AC PV module with the inverter completely replacing the junction box. The cabling solution allows varying distance between modules. A company right downRead More →

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Under the mantra, “what happens at SPI stays at SPI,” I’ll just say that the SPI Block Party was fantastic. I left with the obligatory swag, most notably my competing orange and white Enphase and SMA sunglasses. Let the micro inverter battles begin! Now it’s time to go see some bleary eyed exhibitors and learn what’s new.

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SunPower Corp. announced a groundbreaking warranty today at Solar Power International. SunPower’s Maxeon cell photovoltaic modules will now have a full 25 year power output AND product warranty, an industry first. Highlights of the warranty: Material defects & workmanship warranty increases from 10 years to 25 years. Power output will be at least 95% of the minimum peak power rating for the first 5 years, and decline by no more that 0.4% per year for the following 20 years. Limited warranty covers transportation costs (both ways), removal costs, and reinstallation costs. The new warranty is backdated to July 1, 2012 for customers who recently hadRead More →

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Solar Power International (SPI), the world’s premier solar energy tradeshow, starts today in Orlando, Florida. After being held the last two years in Dallas and Los Angeles, SPI 2012 is a prime opportunity for solar professionals in Florida to attend the event closer to home. This is the time of year that the email autoresponders start working overtime. Solar manufacturer, supplier, dealer, and service provider facilities become ghost towns. Tons of email floods my inbox from exhibitors that want me to visit their booth. The solar industry essentially shuts down to focus for one week on what’s new. Exhibitors clamor for press coverage and recognition and attendees scurryRead More →

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If you’re wondering what’s best, a solar water heater or a tankless water heater, the answer may be BOTH – or NEITHER! If you have an existing gas water heater that is in good repair, you may just want to add a solar water heater with additional storage capacity. If you have an electric storage water heater, you may want to retrofit your existing tank or add additional storage with a solar tank. There is a great article about the choice between a storage and tankless water heater on the Green Building Advisor website here. You should check out this article to learn some ofRead More →

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“I have a 2,500 square foot house. How much solar can you put on it?” It’s a question every solar professional has heard, and a question that is almost always answered starting with, “It depends on…” I wish the answer was easy. Unfortunately, it does depend on… a lot! What shape is your home? What is the roof pitch? How is the home oriented, and what side faces south? What obstructions are present? Is it a hip or gable roof, a combination, or a hybrid roof design? Are there any obstructions that could cause shade like trees, chimneys, power lines, neighboring buildings, etc? I’ll showRead More →