| 1. Why is Lakeland Electric offering this program to its customers? |
| Presently the cost of harnessing solar energy to make hot water is competitive with other forms of energy such as electricity and propane. The utility is giving its customers the choice of purchasing solar energy instead of traditional energy to run their hot water heaters. If in the future, energy prices continue to rise, the solar energy will save our customers money. |
| 2. Who is eligible for the program? |
| Presently the program is open to residential customers who own their homes. A
program for renters is being considered.
|
| 3. Are there any other criteria? |
| Site approval depends on a number of items such as shade trees, the integrity of the
roof & the plumbing as well as other physical conditions. An inspection is required for
every installation.
|
| 4. How many customers will be able to participate in the first year? |
| A marketing plan is being developed at this time to “map out” an installation
schedule for our customers. It will depend on the response that we get from the
community. We hope to have a high volume installation team in place by the end
of the year.
|
| 5. What costs do I have to pay? |
| There is no enrollment cost for this program and there are no up-front costs for
equipment. Customers must agree to pay for the energy that the solar collector
produces. This will appear on the monthly utility bill.
|
| 6. How much is the monthly charge? |
| The cost for the solar energy is $34.95. |
| 7. Is this some sort of lease payment? |
| No. This is not an equipment leasing program. The monthly payment is an energy
charge.
|
| 8. Are there any incentives for me if I buy my own solar water heater? |
| Yes. At present there is a 30% federal tax credit available. As a precaution, we always advise our customers to confirm any incentive prior to making any purchase. |
| 9. Would I be better off if I just want to purchase my own solar water heater? How
much do they cost?
|
| In almost all cases: yes. The retail price for a solar water heater can be thousands of
dollars. But then there is no monthly energy charge. For the customer who can make
that purchase and does not intend to relocate in the near future, it is likely a better option
in the long run.
|
| 10. If I am not sure what to do, who do I call to find out more about purchasing my
own solar heater?
|
| There are many reputable solar companies in Florida. The Florida Solar Energy
Industries Association publishes a list of qualified licensed solar contractors in its
website. Go to www.flaseia.org
|
| 11. What if I buy my own solar water heater and then move away a few years later? |
| In that case you will leave behind the solar heater at about the same time that it will start
to pay off. The Lakeland Electric program relieves you of that dilemma.
|
| 12. What happens if I sell my house? Is there some kind of penalty? Can I
take the solar heater with me to another location?
|
| If you choose to sell your home, you have no obligation. But the solar heater
stays with the house. The agreement is fully transferable. The next homeowner
will be given the opportunity to stay on the program.
|
| 13. Who performs and pays for the maintenance? |
| Maintenance is provided by the solar company at no cost to the customer. |
| 14. Who purchases and owns the solar equipment? |
| The equipment is owned by a solar equipment investment company. |
| 15. Do I have the option to purchase the equipment? |
| Yes. There are provisions for you to purchase the solar system. |
| 16. What if I change my mind and decide to withdraw from the program? |
| If a customer voluntarily quits the program, the system will be removed at a cost of $250. |
| 17. How will I know if the solar system is working properly? |
| The Lakeland Electric solar water heating system includes a special metering device that
will be read monthly by our meter readers. This meter will tell us if the system is not
functioning properly.
|
| 18. What is a solar water heater and what does it do? |
| A solar water heater consists of a solar collector and storage tank that are either
separate components or a single rooftop panel. It will collect solar energy and make hot
water for your use in the kitchen, laundry and bathrooms.
|
| 19. What will the solar panel look like? |
| One solar panel, about the size of a pool table, will be installed on the roof of your home.
In most cases it will lay flat with the roof and look like a skylight. Some situations may
require modifications.
|
| 20. How long does it take to install the solar equipment? |
| An experienced crew of workers will need one full day to install the entire system. |
| 21. Will these solar collectors make electricity? |
| No. |
| 22. What happens if the sun doesn’t shine for several days in a row? |
| A solar water heater can make most of the energy that you need but not all of it. You will
still have a fully capable back-up water heating system for nighttime use and during bad
weather.
|
| 23. Is this different than the solar panels that heat swimming pools? |
| Yes. This is for indoor household domestic use only. |