After getting unanimous approval from the Florida Public Service Commission, Gulf Power is launching a community solar program, Gulf Solar Energy Share.
Gulf Solar is a way Gulf Power customers can play an active role in pioneering solar energy use in Northwest Florida. It’s also a more affordable alternative for customers who want to support solar energy, but can’t for reasons such as cost, renting instead of owning a home, or having a shaded roof.
“Gulf Solar is for customers who are passionate about the environment and want to be a pioneer in developing renewable energy in Northwest Florida,” said Rick DelaHaya, Gulf Power spokesperson.
“Gulf Solar makes solar energy accessible to all of our customers whether they rent or own their residence. And customers who participate in this program will receive a monthly credit on their bill — a reminder of their personal commitment to developing renewable energy.”
Gulf Solar Energy Share gives all customers, including business owners, the opportunity to subscribe for only $99 a year.
With a subscription, customers can offset a portion of their traditional energy —approximately 750 kilowatt-hours per subscription — with solar energy. Subscribers will receive a monthly credit on their bill — between $2 and $2.50 for 2016. In addition, if participants agree to a five-year commitment, they will receive a reduced annual fee of $89.
There are no additional installation fees or maintenance costs and customers may purchase multiple subscriptions up to their total monthly use.
Subscriptions will be available on a first come, first serve basis. As program demand grows, additional panels could be installed in various areas around the region.
The solar farm will be built near Milton.
“We are getting considerable interest from our customers for renewable programs like Gulf Solar,” added DelaHaya. “Now customers can be part of the solar movement — even if they are not able to install solar panels on their homes or businesses.”
Customers interested in Gulf Solar Energy Share can visit Gulf Power's GulfSolar website at http://bit.ly/1VQDS6F for more information and express interest in the Community Solar program.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Subscription-based solar energy coming soon to Northwest Florida