The case for solar power proposal

Let’s set the record straight. Amendment 1 doesn’t block ownership of solar, it doesn’t make solar more expensive and it certainly doesn’t discourage people from installing solar. These are deceptive lies by our opponents who want solar on their terms without any regulations. They prefer a business model that traps customers into 20-year solar lease contracts with annual cost increases and no consumer protection. We don’t think that’s good for Florida.

Their argument against Amendment 1 is contrary to what policy and economic experts say who’ve thoroughly reviewed this constitutional amendment. The Florida Supreme Court said, “… we find that the title and summary clearly and unambiguously inform the voter that the amendment will establish a constitutional right for electricity consumers …” and on whether this right already exists, they said, “Nothing within the Florida Constitution currently provides electricity consumers with the specific right ‘to own or lease solar equipment installed on their property to generate electricity for their own use.’”

Another popular inaccuracy from our opponents is that by unleashing their specific solar business model, it will grow solar overnight because it’s less expensive. It’s actually not.

The U.S. Department of Energy reports the average Florida residential electricity consumer pays 11.08 cents per kilowatt hour. According to the only third-party solar leasing contract we’ve found online (Solar City), the standard offer is 16.2 cents per kilowatt hour along with the 2.9 percent annual escalator clause.

Florida deserves a holistic approach to solar. Thankfully, Amendment 1 will provide a constitutional framework for solar power in the Sunshine State, which will keep politicians and special interest groups from tampering with it.

Safeguard consumer rights, consumer protections and consumer fairness by voting “Yes on 1 for the Sun.”

This story was originally published October 24, 2016 at 3:38 PM with the headline "The case for solar power proposal."