Category Archives: Solar Power

Vote NO on Amendment 1

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The utilities have done a great job pushing for a yes vote on Amendment 1. Why do you suppose? Most of what the amendment proposes, we already have. The big difference, obscured by confusing language, will be to prevent individuals who have solar panels from selling excess to your neighbors, tenants, or others. This amendment is cleverly composed.
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Vote YES on Solar Issue

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I encourage you to vote yes on the solar tax abatement proposal on August 30, or before. Early voting has begun in my county. Opponents (guess who?) have cleverly confused voters with a petition worded in a way to confuse voters and maintain the status quos. The proposal on the Florida Primary Election ballot will remove a barrier to solar by exempting the panels and other solar equipment from the real property tax and the tangible property tax. This policy will lower the cost of solar and greatly expand solar development. I’m betting your utility company is slipping brochures into your bills telling you to vote no. Who’s side are they on? Yours or theirs? Vote YES on Amendment 4 on August 30.
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Clean Solar Energy Saves Bucks!

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Ever thought about installing a solar panel for the roof? Or getting a hybrid or electric car to cut down on fuel? If you’re like me, you’re always looking for ways to lower your electric bill, and reduce fuel expenses for your car.

Ford Motor Company™ and SunPower™  have partnered to help you do both. The new program, Drive Green for Life™ combines the two and cuts down on electric and gas consumption. There are other hybrid and electric cars on the market, but at this time, only Ford’s Plug-in Hybrid vehicles Focus, Fusion and Energi qualify for the program, which allows you to charge your battery-electric or Plug-in Hybrid vehicle at home using the your clean-energy solar panel.

As part of the program, first-time Ford electric vehicle owners receive a $750 mail-in rebate with the purchase or lease of the solar system. For each solar system installed through the Drive Green for Life™ program, SunPower donates $500 to the Sierra Club to help support programs advocating clean energy, stronger carbon standards, and increased protection of public lands. An additional incentive: For every friend or family member you refer who purchases a solar panel from SunPower, you’ll receive a $500 gift card. But that’s not all! (Why am I feeling like a late night TV commercial?) Purchase of the solar panel qualifies for a 30% federal income tax credit.

I did install a solar panel on the roof when I lived in South Florida. Time to think about putting one on the current homestead. There is a considerable initial investment, but savings would definitely recoup the investment over time. And realtors tell me it would add to the resale value of my home. It would be nice to lower electric bills, reduce fuel expenses, drive nearly carbon-free and decrease my carbon footprint. http://us.sunpower.com/partnerships/ford-focus-electric-vehicle/#sthash.VoJVqyL5.dpuf