Solar and Clean Energy

SOLAR AND CLEAN ENERGY

Building a community powered by clean, renewable energy will help us achieve an inclusive and healthy quality of life. Orange County’s goals are to reduce barriers, dramatically increase clean energy in our region, and power 100% of County operations from clean, renewable energy by 2035.

In partnership with the non-profit organization Solar United Neighbors, Solar Switch provides a group buying program that offers a hassle-free way to install high-quality rooftop solar panels and optional battery storage for a competitive price. By using Solar Switch, residents gain the benefit of program-negotiated pricing by a qualified installer, vetted and selected through a competitive bidding process. To date, Orange County solar co-ops have generated more than $13.2 million in economic development to local contractors and have offset 58,400 metric tons of carbon emissions.

SIGN UP FOR SOLAR SWITCH AT: SolarSwitch.com/OrangeCounty.

Installing solar systems provides many benefits including:

Slashing electricity bills each year for residents
Increasing resilience to power outages during storms with battery storage
Creating abundant well-paying jobs for solar installers
Lowering respiratory illness rates caused by air pollution from fossil fuel power plants

The road to solar power is paved one panel at a time. Through a series of guides, videos, and frequently asked questions, learning the way is easy.

Resources:

Helpful Solar Resources: https://solarunitedneighbors.org/resources/
Solar 101 Webinars & Events: SolarSwitch.com/Webinars

For residents living in unincorporated Orange County, an electrical permit is required for solar installation. The permit checklist and fee schedule (PDF) are available for download.

Prior Installations and Capacity per Solar Co-op

Solar Co-op	Installations and capacity
Orlando-Winter Park 2015	31 installs, 267 kW
Orlando-Winter Park 2015	56 installs, 610 kW
Orange County 2016	80 installs, 703 kW
Orange County East 2018	50 installs, 532 kW
Orange County West 2018	31 installs, 276 kW
Orlando 2019	64 installs, 756 kW
Orlando 2020	44 installs, 494 kW
Orange County 2021	52 installs, 633 kW
Orange County 2022	57 installs, 666 kW
Orange County/Orlando 2023	37 installs, 468 kW
Total	502 installs, 5,405 kW (5.4 MW)

LEADERS IN SOLAR PROGRAMS

Orange County is a top-ranked county in Florida for installed solar on the grid. In 2018, Orange County was the first county in Florida to earn the national SolSmart GOLD designation from the U.S. Department of Energy for advancing solar growth in the community by making it easier for homes and businesses to install solar energy through streamlined permitting, technical training for staff, contractor training, and community wide education. Solar permits are typically approved within 24 hours.

Orange County is generating clean energy at five locations including the UF/IFAS Extension Center (19.8 kW), the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (38.8 kW), the Orange County Convention Center (1.1 MW), the Southern Regional Water Supply Facility (1.2 MW), and the Northwest Water Reclamation Facility. With another 1 MW being added to our Orange County Convention Center and close to 1 MW in design for two new facilities. Additionally, the County has solar subscriptions totaling 145.5 kW. The commitment to clean, renewable sources of electricity is moving forward for Orange County.

In 2007, Orange County’s Board of County Commissioners adopted its first Climate Protection Pledge that outlined strategies to support energy conservation and the growth of renewable energy in our region. In 2021, Orange County unveiled the Orange County Sustainable Operations & Resilience Action Plan that includes a roadmap to dramatically increase clean, renewable energy throughout the County.

COMMUNITY-WIDE PROGRAMS

Orlando Utilities Commission's (OUC) OUCommunity Solar and Duke Energy Florida's Clean Energy Connection Program allow business and residential customers to gain “virtual” access to sustainable, maintenance-free solar energy at a nearby utility-scale power plant.

SELF Home Improvement Financing Program – Orange County is proud to partner with SELF(Solar & Energy Loan Fund), a nonprofit community lending partner providing equitable and accessible financing for assorted home improvements to help save money, improve hurricane resistance, and enhance comfort and livability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

› What is Solar Switch?

Solar Switch is a group buying program for solar installations and offers residents a hassle-free way to install high-quality rooftop solar panels and optional battery storage for a competitive price. Each registered participant receives a personal recommendation for a solar system for their home containing estimated costs, savings, and expected electricity generation. There is no obligation to accept the offer, but once signed, the installer will complete a site survey and schedule an installation date.

Orange County is partnering with Solar United Neighbors of Florida, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, to provide technical assistance to neighborhood solar co-ops at no charge to participants.

› Are permits required for installing solar power on a home?

Yes. Residents who live within city limits should contact the building department of their municipality. Residents of unincorporated Orange County need an electrical permit. The permit checklist and fee schedule are available for download.

› Will my homeowner association (HOA) restrict me from installing solar panels on my home?

While a homeowner cannot be prevented from installing a solar energy system, certain restrictions may be imposed by the HOA without violating Florida Statutes. However, those restrictions must be reasonable, not arbitrary, and uniformly imposed on homeowners in a subdivision. The restrictions cannot act to impair the performance of a solar system or it may be seen as "effectively" prohibiting solar.

Florida Statutes section 163.04 forbids ordinances, deed restrictions, covenants, or similar binding agreements from prohibiting solar equipment use. Pursuant to the statute, a homeowner may not be denied by "any entity granted the power or right in any deed restriction, covenant or similar binding agreement to approve, forbid, control, or direct alteration of property..." permission to install a solar collector, clothesline, or other energy device using renewable resources. The law specifically prohibits a homeowner association from preventing the installation of solar collectors on the roof. Although the association may determine where on the roof the collectors may be installed, so long as the installation is within the area required for its effective operation, that is, south, east or west of due south. There has been some litigation with respect to the applicability of Section 163.04. (See Florida Statute Section 163.04); However, most cases have been resolved through mediation.

› What is Solar United Neighbors ?

Solar United Neighbors, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, provides technical assistance to help people become educated about solar systems, the process of going solar, and the benefits and cost savings.

Solar United Neighbors expands access to solar by educating Florida residents about the benefits of distributed solar energy and helping them organize group solar installations.

Orange County is partnering with Solar United Neighbors, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, to bring Solar Switch to all residents as well as technical assistance and help desk support through every stage of the solar process at no charge.

› If you register for Solar Switch, does that mean you must purchase a system?

No, registering for Solar Switch just shows you are interested in learning more and receiving a personal recommendation for your home. There is no fee associated with registering, and there is no obligation or pressure to sign a contract to install a system.

› How do residents learn more about solar or register for Solar Switch?

To learn more about solar, visit https://solarunitedneighbors.org or email FLteam@solarunitedneighbors.org. To register for Solar Switch, visit SolarSwitch.com/OrangeCounty.

› Who can participate in Solar Switch?

Solar Switch is open to all Orange County residents, including those in city jurisdictions.

› Are businesses able to register for Solar Switch?

Yes, businesses can register and participate, as long as they are able to move forward with their project within the timeline planned.

› What is the cost to go solar and what is the return on investment?

The exact price of a PV (photovoltaic) system is dependent on a homeowner's preference in system size and that particular home’s energy consumption. Costs can range from $9,000 to $27,000, and there is a federal tax credit of 30 percent off the system’s purchased cost. Homeowners have the option to install the PV system that fits their budget. Return on investment is typically five to seven years and panels can last 20-25 years.

› Does the condition of my roof limit my ability to install solar panels?

The solar installer that is selected for Solar Switch will inspect the roof and verify the age. If the roof is more than 15-17 years old, then the solar installer typically recommends that a new roof be installed prior to the installation of the PV system.

› How many people in Florida are benefitting from solar power?

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, about 2,013,723 homes in Florida are powered by solar energy.

Partners

Orange County Government is pleased to have partnered with Solar United Neighbors of Florida. The partnership is also supported by community groups throughout Orange County.