Everybody seems to like “alternative energy” such as solar and wind power – until the bill comes due.
That’s because despite all the hype surrounding those energy sources, they are extremely expensive compared with coal, natural gas and nuclear power.
To hide the true cost of alternative energy, states and the federal government have offered an array of subsidies, rebates and such that artificially make the cost of alternative energy production seem lower than it is. Of course, that is a charade because it only conceals – but does not eliminate – costs. Instead of a consumer footing the full bill to buy, for instance, solar panels to provide energy for his house, taxpayers are forced to underwrite part of the cost.
Florida is among the states that have used taxpayer-funded incentives to entice homeowners and businesses to buy solar-powered water heaters, electrical systems and such. A solar water heater purchase in Florida is good for a $500 rebate, for instance, while a business can get a $100,000 rebate for a solar power system on its rooftop.
The trouble is, Florida is in deep financial difficulties, and it no longer has the money to fund that sort of market-distorting subsidies with tax dollars.