There are several benefits for contractors and builder who are skilled in projects involving alternative energy:

• There are tax incentives from both  the Federal and state governments that make alternative energy more cost effective .
• Skills, equipment and methods used in residential and commercial alternative energy projects are transferable to remote power ,  emergency power and backup power projects.
• Alternative energy is a rapidly growing industry .
• Alternative energy opens new markets and other opportunities to builders and contractors through state government , federal government and manufacturer organizations support.
• Alternative energy projects give positive publicity to builders and contractors.
• Customers benefit from reduced energy and maintenance costs compared with traditional energy sources.
  
• Alternative energy construction normally provides backup and emergency power as an additional benefit and reason to purchase.

Resources for contractors and builders.

Here are some links that will help contractors and builders get started with alternative energy:

• Florida Solar Contractor Certification
• Energy Efficient Construction 
• Energy Tax Incentives Links 
• Alternative Energy Manufacturers and Suppliers Links
• Energy Efficient Building and Construction Links 

The new energy tax incentives for Florida means that many contractors are interested in getting certified as a Solar Contractor in Florida.

The best training for this is at the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) :

Installing Photovoltaic System is an intensive week-long course targeted toward contractors, journeymen, and practitioners who install grid-connected PV systems. In 2001, FSEC received accreditation for this course offering from the Institute for Sustainable Power. Over two hundred individuals have attended this hands-on oriented program since 1999.

 This class qualifies for continuing education requirements for contractors in Floridia.

The FSEC also certifies equipment so that it qualifies for various state incentives.

 The actual license is from the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation, Construction Industry Licensing Board .

 Both solar and solar water heating are under division 2.

The tests are administered by Professional Testing, Inc. The state recommends you apply directly to Professional Testing for to schedule the test.  However, I'd recommend checking the FSEC site and the state site first. 

Click here for more information about the test and some additional suggested reading for studying for the test.

For a big list of related links try the tax incentives links page. 

Florida has recently approved measures that provide significant rebates, tax credits and other incentives for installing alternative energy systems in homes and businesses.

 Systems covered are:

• Two kilowatts or larger for a solar photovoltaic system; or
• A solar energy system that provides at least 50 percent of a building’s hot water consumption for a solar thermal system; or
• A solar thermal pool heater

Application for a rebate must be made within 90 days after the purchase of the solar energy equipment.

The equipment must be certified by the State of Florida and installed by a properly licensed contractor.

The incentives are substantial. 

An individual residence with a 5kw photovoltaic system, a solar water heater and a solar pool heater would qualify for over $25,000 in rebates and other incentives. 

A commercial  installation with a 25kw photovoltaic system and solar water heater would qualify for over $105,000 in rebates and other incentives. 

With current prices on photovoltaic systems, a typical homeowner using a home mortgage to pay for the equipment would see an immediate savings.  The saving in electric bill and taxes would more than offset the increased mortgage payment.  This is especially true of new construction since integrating energy systems in the design phase results in substantial savings compared with retrofitted systems.

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