By WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Things are starting to look a little brighter in the Sunshine State for solar power.
Vinyasun, a rooftop solar company, has tapped one of Florida’s best minds in rooftop solar and solar public policy, Justin Hoysradt, to lead their product expansion which will offer Florida homeowners the option to switch to solar energy for zero down.
“Florida is finally at its tipping point,” said Hoysradt. “A no money down financing plan has been long needed to supplement the states already strong net-metering program.” Net-metering, is the billing system that allows solar system owners to receive fair credit for the clean energy they occasionally put back on to the power grid. It’s a program that all Florida’s utilities are required to provide and as a benefit it reduces the need for additional fossil fuel plant development.
Florida, the state which ranks 3rd for rooftop solar potential with 300 days of available sun to make power, ranks 13th in the nation, way behind states in the northeast, for actual amount of solar energy installed. However, that is about to change. Florida’s largest utilities are beginning to develop hundreds of acres into solar farm style power plants. This is a signal that the 80% drop in costs since 2008 has finally moved solar to “cost effective” status for Floridians. Florida has been called the holy grail of solar energy and Hoysradt believes that his company can give homeowners the same financial incentive their utility is taking advantage of.
For homeowners the biggest challenge has been the upfront investment needed to buy solar panels and the equipment that connects them to the grid. Vinyasun is eliminating that challenge and delivering homeowners an immediate opportunity to begin saving on day one. Hoysradt said, “This is a huge barrier to finally be able to clear, consumers no longer have to make the choice between upgrading their kitchen or making a smart solar investment, they can do both.”
Vinyasun’s program is similar to equipment rental agreements like solar leases or the controversial power purchase agreement. By providing the rooftop solar panels for no money down accompanied by a long term agreement for energy services, guarantees related to the production and cost of energy. “We are going to lead solar ownership as a service,” said Hoysradt. “You own it, we maintain it plus guarantee it produces the energy we promise or we pay you if it doesn’t.” In comparison to a large cash outlay it’s pretty simple.
Hoysradt will lead the team as the CEO and is excited to grow a team that will help thousands of homeowners each year make the switch to solar. He will also maintain a role directing public policy as he believes there is still a lot of need to educate policy makers in Tallahassee of the opportunities solar will have on Florida’s economy.
Hoysradt says, “More than ever before, our policy makers are in great need of leadership from advocates and the business community to help guide them on important topics that affect the economy. There are a lot of good people traveling to Tallahassee that want to make the right decisions for the people of Florida. I plan on being there to help them make the decisions on the important role solar will play in growing Florida’s economy so we can continue to hire hard working Floridians and Veterans. That conversation still includes maintaining low energy rates and reducing taxes on businesses.”
About Vinyasun
Vinyasun [pr. vi-nyaah-sun] is “Being the Change” by delivering clean, reliable and affordable solar energy to homeowners for no money down. The Power Vinyasun program is designed to “let positive energy flow” and provides nearly all of the benefits and security of equipment rental agreements like leases or power purchase agreements to homeowners while still providing the value of ownership.
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