I’ll give Florida Governor Ron DeSantis one thing: He is good at claiming credit for both sides of an issue. And he does it in a way that he can deny he’s doing it.
Take solar panels.
On the one hand he touts a new law, the Florida Renewable Energy Program, which will provide renewable energy funding to homeowners who install solar panels and battery storage. And the feds kick in other incentives. All this with zero upfront costs in some areas, according to the DeSantis Daily. There are still costs, but those are monthly.
“This in fact generates a source of clean energy which the government needs and creates an extra source of income for homeowners,” his website brags.
Sound good?
But wait. In another DeSantis Daily post, entitled “DeSantis official highlights the downside of installing home solar panels,” Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis warns that installing solar panels can drive up the cost of homeowners insurance.
“I’m concerned policy promoting putting solar on roofs makes homes MORE vulnerable to storms, impacting premiums,” Patronis wrote on social media.
See how slick that is? Same website, DeSantis Daily, with one post having the governor claiming credit for providing solar panels while another warns about their danger. And it is done in a way that allows DeSantis to go before the public and claim he never said solar panels were bad, someone else did that. This is a reprise of his claim he hasn’t banned any books in Florida. He just made it so scary for schools and libraries that they did it themselves.
The Trump acolyte has learned well from the master.
In any case, Patronis warns that residential solar panels typically “cost about $20,000 which has a dramatic effect on insurance.”
“Reports show that these homeowners could also see higher premiums over time, due to a need for specialized coverage, or for the replacement of a solar panel because they are outside and are more vulnerable to the elements.”
“Aside from insurance, the weight of a solar panel could potentially cause structural damage to your roof over time and cause complications when you decide to sell your home,” Patronis continued. “If you already have solar panels, it’s recommended to have a professional roof inspection every few years to ensure that the integrity of your roof is not being impacted.”
Homeowners in Florida who install solar panels are dealing with a new set of headaches for going green, the post concludes.
That’s Patronis’ take on it.
Here’s mine. We’ve had solar panels, both electric and hot water, for at least five years. Between the panels and installing double-pane windows we have cut our electric bill at the height of the summer from nearly $400 to less than $100. Our insurance has not risen anymore than anyone else’s. And the value of our home has increased.
Oh yes, our roof is doing just fine.
For more, go to williamblocher.com
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