The latest incentive programs in Florida are stellar and it looks like a solar boom is just around the corner. But I have been hearing that for months. Even in Gainesville, one of the best places for incentives, I still hear the rationalization against solar everyday.

The biggest drawback has always been cost. Where I live that seems to be a smaller issue now. Gainesville Regional Utility customers generally qualify for Federal, State, and Local rebates and incentives. But that has not opened the flood gate that I thought it would.

When talking about solar, I get the “what ifs” all day long and we can come up with negative scenarios all day long, but the simple truth is that groups are trying to make it affordable for you to get solar…and the clock is ticking! The State Rebate is the biggest one out there and if you install by June 2010, you qualify. The bad news, which always steals the thunder, has been that with the budget crisis, the fund that pays for that is out of money. That doesn’t mean you won’t get your money, it just means you will not get it this year.

We installed a small solar array earlier this year and when we get the rebate later this year from the State of Florida, we will have a system that was mostly paid for with rebates, incentives, and tax credits. Exactly what the system was set up to do. For the next 20 years, we will enjoy a 33% reduction in our electric bill. I am sure you can all relate to that.

It is a huge step to invest in the future, not many of us can grasp it, but it is worth it and I encourage all of you to talk to your local solar dude. If you live in Gainesville or North Central Florida, that is Wayne Irwin with Pure Energy Solar 352-37-SOLAR.

Good Luck.

Recently, we were at Indigo’s Anniversary Party and we asked the people that stopped to see us to list some of the reasons they love living in Gainesville. Here are their answers (not necessarily in any sort of ranking):

1. Because there are so many cool businesses right here!
2. Because we can ride our bikes anywhere we need to go.
3. Culture, UF, “Small town attitude”, Weather, Location, Lack of concrete
4. Great, eco-centered community.
5. Biking, Hiking and the outdoors.
6. It’s a college town, I grew up in a college town (Boston) and I love college towns!
7. Because I met my hubby here ☺
8. The low-intensity commercial development and it feels like home.
9. Burrito Brothers!!
10. Great music!
11. Tree canopy and vegetation keeps us cooler.
12. Best bike roadways I’ve seen.  So easy to get around and love the University.
13. Because it’s my hometown and I love it.  It will only ever change for the better.
14. Because it’s a small town and everyone knows what’s going on.
15. Because of all the nature trails and forests.
16. Great bike trails/paths and lots of natural areas.
17. Because there are a lot of trees.
18. Because of the gorgeous winters and low traffic.
19. I love the diversity of the people and the exchange of information amongst them.
20. We love the friendly people and the feeling of home.  We love the beautiful trees and the great outdoor weather.
21. It’s a tree city with a lot of cultural diversity.
22. Lots of great outdoor spaces and variety of culture.
23. Change of seasons.
24. Because it’s so opposite of Detroit is so many ways!
25. Because I can easily get around.  It has what is usually found only in large cities – Art/Culture/Performing Arts/Great Sports.  And it’s still small enough to offer great friendships and connections.
26. Access to Payne’s Prairie.
27. Provides a relatively good living environment.
28. Because I don’t know any different.
29. Eclecticism.
30. “It’s a green city with a heart of gold”; a conscious community with a generous spirit of giving.