Florida Utility Delivers on Solar Water Heating

Lakeland Electric, a public utility headquartered in Lakeland, Fla., is starting a renewable energy program that will install up to 20,000 solar water heating systems in 20,000 homes during the next 20 years.  Under this program, open only to residential customers, participants will invest nothing up front but will be obligated for 20 years.

The monthly cost for the program will amount to $34.95, a rate guaranteed by Lakeland Electric for 20 years.  This rate is based on the typical monthly cost for water heating.  If customers opt out of the program before the end of the 20 year period they will have to pay a one time fee of $250.

The plan is for 750 to 1500 solar water heating systems to be installed in the next year starting in approximately three months.  One of the big selling points of the program is that customers will have 80 gallon tanks installed rather than the standard 40 gallon tanks.

Lakeland Electric created a unique pilot program for solar water heaters starting in 1997 and the early 2000s in which 60 customers began using solar water heaters.

As part of this commitment Regenesis, the company that will install the solar panels, will employ 30 to 50 local residents in what can be considered green jobs. 

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