It’s an absolute joke that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis would do anything but sign HB741, a bill crafted with the help of Florida Power & Light lobbyists that effectively kills a majority of solar incentives. After all, the company already sunk $30,035 into DeSantis’ reelection campaign. And DeSantis, for his part, has previously stated he’s opposed to solar subsidies and never seemed all that interested in renewables, having signed legislation last year that barred Florida cities from setting 100% renewable energy goals. Under HB741, which would go into effect on July 1 if signed into law, Floridians with solar panels will receive much less for selling back excess power to energy companies. Often known as “net metering,” the practice of crediting solar panel leasers and owners for the energy they generate has led to a major uptick in solar adoption in Florida. But HB741 would reduce the amount that consumers make off of their excess solar energy. It’s even worse for those new to solar.
Customers with pending net metering applications will receive diminishing returns that much faster, depending on when their applications are approved. Energy usage credits will be slashed form Jan. 1, 2024 onward, with any Floridian whose net metering application is approved between Jan. 1, 2027 and Dec. 31, 2028 only receiving a 50% energy usage credit. HB741 also allows public utilities to petition the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) to impose new charges to solar customers, starting after Jan. 1, 2024. Once a market penetration rate of more than 6.5% is achieved for customers who own or lease solar, the PSC is required to adopt a new rule, though it’s unclear what that entails. If anything, it just seems like Florida is heading in the wrong direction for renewables and doing the exact opposite of what solar advocates and even most Floridians want. According to a recent Mason-Dixon poll, 84% of respondents in Florida support net metering initiatives.