The City of Tallahassee Utilities offers a $450 rebate to homeowners* and homebuilders who install a solar water-heating system. This rebate may be applied to a first-time installation or to the replacement of an older solar water-heating system. Homebuilders may also apply for the rebate when installing a solar water heater on a new home. Pool heating systems are not eligible for the rebate.

The homeowner must allow the City of Tallahassee to conduct an energy audit on the home in order to make a preliminary assessment of sun exposure and to provide program guidance. All solar water heating equipment must be indirect and freeze protected, certified by the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), and installed by a state-licensed solar or plumbing contractor. For installations arranged by homeowners, the contractor must request appropriate growth management permit(s) prior to installation, and must have appropriate inspection(s) of the completed installation by City of Tallahassee or Leon County Building Inspection. Installations by homebuilders must conform to all applicable city, county and state building and/or energy codes.

See the program web site for an application and program guidelines. In addition to the rebate, City of Tallahassee Utilities offers low interest loans for the installation of solar water heating systems.

* Note that the rebate is available to property owners who install solar water heating systems on rental properties.