Solar Laws and Consumer Protections

Florida Solar Laws

Title XI Section 163.04: Energy devices based on renewable resources

Florida state laws expressly forbid the prohibition of solar panels by local entities, including homeowners associations. Some rules regarding design and appearance may be allowed, for example, in historic districts.  The law states “A deed restriction, covenant, declaration, or similar binding agreement may not prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting solar collectors, clotheslines, or other energy devices based on renewable resources from being installed on buildings erected on the lots or parcels covered by the deed restriction, covenant, declaration, or binding agreement. A property owner may not be denied permission to install solar collectors or other energy devices by any entity granted the power or right in any deed restriction, covenant, declaration, or similar binding agreement to approve, forbid, control, or direct alteration of property with respect to residential dwellings and within the boundaries of a condominium unit. Such entity may determine the specific location where solar collectors may be installed on the roof within an orientation to the south or within 45° east or west of due south if such determination does not impair the effective operation of the solar collectors.”

Read the whole section here.

Title XXVII 366.91: Renewable energy

Title XXVII 366.91 of Florida state law expressly allows for net metering. Net metering means that owners of solar panels which are connected to the electricity grid can sell any excess generation to their electric utility and have the value deducted from their monthly utility bill.

Read the whole section here.

Consumer Protections

Solar Energy is still a relatively new technology and, for many of our residents, any installation will be their first. Below are resources available to learn more about solar purchasing.

The Institute for Renewable Energy Council (IREC)’s Clean Energy Consumer Bill of Rights.

The Solar Energies Industries Association (SEIA)’s Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Power.

 The United States Department of Energy’s Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar.