Solar choice should be available to all

As a homeowner who has solar panels on my roof, I am dismayed at the attitude and lack of progress of the state. I participated in the solar program several years ago, which included federal tax refunds as well as a state rebate.

To get on the list, one had to put out the money, complete the project and wait for the promised rebate. Instead of the $20,000 rebate, approximately half was received. The federal tax incentives were received as promised. I would be happy to see an exposé on the state reneging on the rebates.

Those of us who invested at the time and are still happy with our panels have had to live with the fact that this “deal” was reneged on by the state. We were told the program was not “refunded,” when, in fact, the money allotted to that original refund program was used for other things.

An Oct. 22 letter, “Solar choice shouldn’t mean new tax,” prompted me to write this because it and other advertising backed by utilities are helping to create a misconception. Instead of promoting affordable alternative energy, it is promoting big utilities to continue controlling energy.

Florida is one of only four states that prohibit citizens from buying electricity from anyone other than a utility. This prohibition limits customer choice and blocks growth of this clean, homegrown energy source.

Floridians for Solar Choice is working to help more homes and businesses to generate electricity by harnessing the power of the sun. They believe this choice should be available to everyone.

Consumers for Smart Solar has been named to create confusion. It is supporting big utilities in their quest to control energy.