Solar Advocacy: Tell South Miami to keep solar shining

The South Miami City Council considered a resolution on November 15, 2022 that would put an end or freeze a recent requirement for new residential construction to install solar collectors. The resolution has been tabled, but could come back at any time. If passed, this policy would slow rooftop solar growth, reduce solar access, and hinder efforts to build communities more resilient to hurricanes and intensifying climate impacts. 

Solar is one of few solutions homeowners have to address the rising cost of utility bills. Cities should be encouraging more residents to go solar to improve the cost of living and quality life. The median income for a family in South Miami is a little over $60,000 per year. These folks are already working hard to make ends meet. By installing solar, you are reducing their energy burden from the start. 

Unfortunately, some insurance companies across the State of Florida are using any reason they can and solar is just one of the many unfounded reasons they are choosing to deny coverage, cancel policies and raise premiums. But solar is not the only issue insurance companies are using to deny homeowners claims. As the result of hurricanes, rampant litigation and reinsurance costs, Floridians already pay the highest premiums in the country. Elected leaders should realize that ending this ordinance will not put an end to the larger insurance crisis at hand. Solar is a symptom of the problem, not the cause. 

Rooftop solar actually increases the value of your home and reinforces the stability of the roof during intense storms. 

Speak up now to keep solar accessible in South Miami.