Solar Power Homes In Florida

Over the past few years, the state of Florida has asserted itself as one of the states in the forefront of sustainability. When it comes to alternative energy and homes however, the developers in Florida have been somewhat lacking. Early this year, developer KB Homes moved forward with what is expected to be the first set of new houses in Florida complete with solar energy panels as a regular feature in communities.

The same developments were taken in some of KB’s California communities in 2011. The addition of photovoltaic cells within a number of Southern California developments came on to a warm reception, with strong sales out of the gate. KB has made initial estimates that adding these photovoltaic cells to rooftops can take nearly 30 percent in cost from the utility bills. The same estimate points towards an average savings of over $1,000 a year, as well as the positive effect on the environment.

The panels come with relation to the tax credits tied to the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, each of which are slated to expire in five years. Even though the addition may not seem like such a revelation in technology, it is a big deal for the Florida housing landscape. In the past, owners and developers have had to jump through hula hoops trying to install solar panels.

One would think that the sunshine state would’ve had more developers with easy access to solar panels or alternative energy options at this time, but that simply hasn’t been the case. Other developers are said to be in the process of moving forward with more projects for the state as well. With the addition of some major communities from a developer like KB to Central Florida, it’s only a matter of time until more Orlando apartments and home communities are developed with more alternative energy options.

Before this community, the state of Florida has really only seen widespread development and offers of solar electric and water heaters. The input of an alternative energy option is crucial in Florida and is a sign of the times. As the months and years go by in the near future, there is certainly expected to be more of a reliance on solar energy than there has ever been.

The level of importance placed on sustainability, air quality and minimizing emissions will only continue to push these alternative energy sources such as solar power. The limits and effectiveness is also expected to expand with time, as science will allow for even more capabilities for solar energy. Hopefully developers can continue to build homes with standard options for alternative energy in the future, especially in the states lacking behind. Florida’s role within the top 15 for tax breaks and eco friendly incentives have long made it a place where developments in the housing industry such as this seemed possible and now they’re starting to become reality.

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