© Courtesy of AxiosThere is still a great deal of confusion about the use of solar energy in the event of the rising sun.
What's happening: Last weekend we wrote about the use of solar panels and received many questions from our readers. So today we're going to try to answer some of them, starting with government use.
The Big Picture: According to national trade group Solar Energy Industries Association, Florida has the capacity to produce more solar power than most states, but homes still account for only a small fraction of solar panels.
- This is partly due to government policy.
Between the lines: Unlike many states, Florida doesn't have a power sale agreement that allows a developer to install a solar farm on a customer's property and sell the generated electricity to the consumer at a fixed price that's often below retail sell. soft
- The state also does not have a standard renewable energy portfolio policy that requires utilities to meet a certain percentage of the state's energy needs from renewable sources such as solar power.
Here are some more questions from our readers about solar panels:
How does solar energy affect home insurance?
Residents across the state report that their insurance companies have tricked them into buying solar panels.
Situation: Solar panels are usually included in most home insurance policies without the need for separate insurance. But Mark Friedlander, a spokesman for the Insurance Information Institute, told Axios that small regional insurers have recently tightened underwriting rules that affect solar power.
- This is likely due to the commission's vulnerability to damage from hurricanes and windstorms, with Florida being the state hardest hit by hurricanes.
What They Say: "Florida has the most volatile home insurance market in the country," Friedlander told Axios.
- "Many companies are struggling financially and have introduced additional insurance restrictions to be more selective about the property they insure or not to write new policies at all."
Pro tip: If you're planning to install solar panels and find that your insurance company won't cover it, you can ask your insurance agent to find another company that will, Friedlander said.
- "It might be harder in Florida," he said, "but it's worth taking a look at."
- And even if your policy covers solar panels, you should tell your insurance company you're buying them to make sure it's explained in the policy.
How long does it take for an investment to pay off?
Different to. "It depends on customers' circumstances and how they finance their solar panels," said Laura Telles, program manager for Solar United Neighbors of South Florida.
- However, people are usually told that it will bear fruit in 7 to 10 years and that the lifespan of the solar system may exceed 25 years.
FYI the non-profit organization offers solar education and co-ops, also in Hillsborough.
Be smart: If you type "solar is worth it" into Google, there are websites that will tell you if you've entered any information about your home. They actually give your information to several companies who want to sell you a solar panel and bombard you with calls and texts.
What are the effects of solar panels on the environment?
For those worried about their boards breaking and being thrown away, Tellez says, "Boards rarely break."
- "Solar energy lasts a very, very long time," she added.
On the other hand, conservative proponents of nuclear power and fossil fuels have repeatedly pointed out that the panels create toxic waste, even though parts of it can be recycled.
Reality check: A 2021 Harvard Business Review study predicts solar power will surpass new installations by 2031.
- Researchers estimate that by 2035, the number of discarded panels will exceed the number of newly sold panels by a factor of 2.56, increasing the total lifetime value of the assets created.
Yes, but: The study points to something that solar advocates are also calling for: stricter regulations to make solar panel recycling more affordable in the US. Researchers have concluded that we cannot go back to fossil fuels.
- "The science is clear: if we continue to rely on fossil fuels as we are doing now, we will leave future generations with a degraded and even dying planet," the study reads.
