This blog entry was written by Allie Brown, former Clean Energy Advocacy Manager at SACE.
Guest Blog | June 14, 2016 | Energy Policy, Solar
How do we make solar energy a priority in the Sunshine State? It starts by boosting voter turnout in this year’s August and November elections among all Floridians who want to build a clean, sustainable energy future.
The Florida August Primary Election is right around the corner and Amendment 4, a proposal to remove taxes on solar power, is on the ballot. To sign up to vote by mail, visit FloridaSolarVoter.com (Don’t live in Florida? Share this blog with pro-solar family and friends in the Sunshine State!)
The proposed Amendment 4 would exempt solar systems from the tangible personal property tax – the most burdensome of the taxes – for a period of 20 years. This amendment would lower solar energy costs by lowering taxes on solar installations – because the tangible personal property tax is passed on to customers in the form of increased solar power prices of up to 5 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh). Better solar economics can mean more solar development, which lays the groundwork for cleaner air and a more sustainable future for the next generation.
To become law, Amendment 4 must be approved by a YES vote of at least 60 percent on the Aug. 30 primary ballot.
Voting is easy in Florida – you have several options to cast your vote in August:
1. Ditch the polls and sign up to vote by mail at floridasolarvoter.com! You will receive your ballot between July 26-August 2.
2. Or, consider voting early August 20-27.
3. Enjoy voting on Election Day? Head to the polls August 30! Use this quick tool to mark your calendar.
Then, help us by spreading the word! Are your pro-solar friends in Florida voting? This election is too critical to leave it to chance. Share Florida Solar Voter on Facebook and forward this blog along to family and friends. Voting by mail is the easiest way to make your voice heard during critical elections that will decide the future of solar in the Sunshine State.
