The act establishes a rebate program for solar photovoltaic electric systems and solar thermal systems installed on residential and commercial buildings. It establishes the Renewable Energy Technologies Grant Program, which will provide matching grants for research and demonstration projects associated with the development of renewable energy systems, alternative fuel vehicles, and other energy technologies. It creates tax incentives for the manufacture, sale, and use of hydrogen fuel cells and for the production, storage, and distribution of alternative fuels such as hydrogen, biodiesel, and ethanol.

The act also creates the Florida Energy Commission, a nine-member panel that will advise the state legislature on energy policy based on the guiding principles of reliability, efficiency, affordability, and energy diversity. Finally, the act provides a one-week sales tax holiday, from Oct. 5-11, 2006, for the purchase of energy efficient products including air conditioners, ceiling fans, and programmable thermostats.

Publication date: 07/10/2006