Florida Renewable Energy Technologies and Energy Efficiency Act

The Florida Renewable Energy Technologies and Energy Efficiency Act (Senate Bill 888) was established to provide renewable energy matching grants for demonstration, commercialization, research, and product development projects relating to renewable energy technologies. The grant program is designed to stimulate capital investment in the state and promote and enhance the statewide utilization of renewable energy technologies. 

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, includes a number of key provisions benefiting the Solar Energy Industry.

Renewable Energy Grants

Creates a new program through the Department of Treasury that provides grants equal to 30 percent of the cost of solar property placed in service during 2009 and 2010, in lieu of the section 48 investment tax credit. (Div. B, Sec. 1104, p. 38) Property that is not placed in service prior to December 31st, 2010 qualifies for the grant program as long as construction begins prior to December 31st, 2010 and is placed in service by January 1, 2017. Applications must be filed by October 1, 2011. (Div. B, Sec. 1603, p. 153) Key details such as what constitutes an application and “begins construction” will be defined in the near future by the Treasury Department.

Repeals Penalty for Subsidized Renewable Energy Financing

Allows businesses and individuals to qualify for the full amount of the solar tax credit, even if projects receive subsidized energy financing (e.g. below market loans, tax preferred bonds, state grants etc.). This amendment shall apply to periods after Dec. 31, 2008. (Div. B, Sec. 1103, p.36)

Renewable Energy Loan Guarantee Program

Establishes a temporary DOE loan guarantee program for renewable energy projects, renewable energy manufacturing facilities and electric power transmission projects. Appropriates $6 billion to pay the credit subsidy costs, which should support $60 billion worth of loan guarantees. Eligible renewable projects are those that generate electricity or thermal energy and facilities that manufacture related components. Projects must commence construction by September 30, 2011. Davis‐Bacon wage requirements (prevailing federal wage) apply to any project receiving a loan guarantee. (Div. A, p. 63 & p. 77)

Department of Energy Funding

Appropriates $16.8 billion to DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, including $2.5 billion for applied research, development, demonstration, and deployment projects. (Div. A, p. 59 and Joint Statement A, p. 24) The total amount includes specific appropriations for the following:

o Conservation block grants $3.2 billion

o Weatherization $5.0 billion

o State Programs $3.1 billion

o Batteries $2.0 billion

Solar for Schools

Appropriates $53.6 billion to a state fiscal stabilization fund. Specifies that states shall use 18.2% of this money for public safety and other government services, including the renovation of facilities and schools to meet green building standards. Solar energy projects qualify. (Div. A, Sec. 14001‐14002, pp. 425‐429)

Green Collar Jobs

Appropriates $500 million to fund job training programs in energy efficiency and renewable energy. (Div. A, Title VIII, p. 148) Also appropriates $250 million for rehabilitation and construction projects on Job Corps Centers, including energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. (Div. A, Title VIII, p. 150)

U.S. Department of Energy

Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy

Solar Energy Technologies Program

The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) works with business, industry, universities, and others to increase the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. One way EERE encourages the growth of these technologies is by offering financial assistance opportunities for their development and demonstration. In fiscal year 2009, more than $2.2 billion in federal funding was awarded to businesses, industries, universities and others.

The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) works with industry and outside agencies through two mechanisms: financial assistance and procurement.

Through financial assistance, EERE provides funding for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development. Financial assistance awards transfer money, property, or services to a recipient so that it can accomplish a public purpose authorized by federal statute. For example, a financial assistance award might be used to fund research to improve the efficiency of photovoltaic cells. In fiscal year 2009, EERE awarded $2.2 billion in financial assistance.

Specific types of financial assistance directly funded by EERE include: