Florida Power and Light Desoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center: A sheep in wolf’s clothing?

As Florida Power and Light consumers struggle for green jobs and a healthier environment, nuclear power and politics have eliminated the residential and commercial photovoltaic solar industry in Florida as of January 2010.   Florida Power and Light consumers want to be energy efficient and leaders in renewable energy.  President Obama’s October 2009 visit to Florida Power and Light DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center in Arcadia, FL was supposed to be a landmark for the growing renewable energy economy in Florida.  The goal of this investor-owned solar facility is:   ·      Produce 42,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) from 90,500 solar panels ·      Power 3,000 homes for 7,000 residents ·      Provide electricity for 20% of Desoto County   THE FLORIDA POWER AND LIGHT DESOTO NEXT GENERATION SOLAR ENERGY CENTER WAS A CONCESSION TO BRING MORE NUCLEAR POWER TO FLORIDA.   The Florida Solar Energy Incentives Program is dead. This program received $14.4 million in federal funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). This funding was used to award rebates to systems in the application queue. No new applications are being accepted.   Florida sun hours make it ideal for photovoltaic solar systems.  Florida also needs to create green jobs from deploying distributed solar energy systems on residential and commercial property.   The Florida Power and Light Desoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center became a reality due to a provision in a 2008 state energy bill that allowed FPL to recoup all of its expenses for this and 2 other solar test projects totaling 110 megawatts (MW).    THE SAME BILL is funding Florida Power and Light upgrades to 4 existing nuclear reactors in 2013 and 2014.  In addition, the bill funds 2 new nuclear power plants starting in 2018.    Though Florida Power and Light can regain all of the $150 million Desoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center investment,  homeowners will still pay $.13-$.15/kWh.  Business rates as low as $.06-$.08/kWh are subsidized by homeowners and do not encourage energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades.    Unemployment is at an all-time high for Florida.  Prospects for green jobs supporting energy efficiency and renewable energy in Florida will require consumer action.    Florida’s politicians have fallen behind most of the country in their commitment to support renewable energy goals.  The Florida legislature and Governor Charlie Crist are stalling on their responsibilities to enact green policies to improve the environment.    Under 4% of Florida’s energy comes from renewable energy sources- only 1% coming from photovoltaic solar.  Florida’s energy efficiency goals are ten times less than 17 other states and are still being considered by the Public Service Commission.  Plans to create a reduction rule for greenhouse gas emissions have been postponed indefinitely by Governor Charlie Crist.   What can you do?  In politics, the squeaky wheel gets attention.   Rich Hessler, Principal www.PVSolarSalesTraining.com (949) 208-0221   To contact your Florida political representatives:

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