Clearwater Clean Energy

solar panels in a row

Solar energy is a renewable resource provided by the sun, meaning it cannot be depleted and is constantly replenished. This makes solar energy a preferred choice, as it offers continuous availability in our sunshine state with much reduced environmental damage, as well as encouraging energy independence for resiliency. Solar energy also aligns with the city’s broader carbon reduction goals, as it is a non-carbon-emitting form of energy production. By encouraging residents and small business owners to adopt solar energy, we can proactively work toward these goals, making the city of Clearwater a greener and healthier community.

This page features two sections – community and municipal – where we feature ongoing programs and solutions for residents/businesses to go solar in the community, as well as featuring current and upcoming clean energy projects in municipal-owned buildings/facilities. 

Community

Switch Together

Switch Together is a group buying program offered by local governments and national nonprofit Solar United Neighbors (SUN). City of Clearwater is pleased to support this program, which offers an opportunity for residents and small businesses to go solar in a stress-free way at competitive prices, with additional products such as battery storage and EV chargers as options.

Choosing a reliable installer can be a challenging task, but being in the Switch Together program, you can feel confident that you are connected to quality products at reasonable prices, thanks to the advantages of group buying. Switch Together conducts a rigorous review of installer qualifications, ensuring participants receive a high-quality installation from a trusted installer.  Switch Together offers free educational webinars and in-person events to explain the process and benefits of going solar. Additionally, participants will have access to pro bono consultations through Solar United Neighbor’s Helpdesk, as well as other resources like webinars and in-person information sessions.

Through the current program, the average household is expected to save $6,941 on a high-quality solar installation. The 30% federal solar tax credit can further reduce system costs, making solar energy more accessible than ever before.

Switch Together is open for registrations. Registration for the program is free, with no obligation to make a purchase.

Visit SwitchTogether.com/Solar/Clearwater

Duke Energy's Clean Energy Connection

Are you interested in receiving the benefits of clean, renewable solar energy but live in an apartment/home unsuitable for solar panels? There are alternative ways to support clean energy production.

Duke Energy’s Clean Energy Connection Program is a shared solar initiative that allows residents to access clean energy produced at solar sites across Florida for their own energy use at home. To participate, residents subscribe to the program based on availability and their annual energy usage. Subscribers will incur a monthly fee of $8.35, which will be added to their energy bill in exchange for a $0.04 per kWh credit. This credit will remain at that rate for the first 36 months. After the 37th month, the credit will increase by 1.5% annually, eventually exceeding the monthly fee and delivering a positive return. The longer you remain subscribed, the more you are projected to save on your bill. According to Duke Energy’s program webpage, there are no upfront costs, cancellation fees, nor long-term commitment required.

Visit Duke Energy's Clean Energy Connection Program

Florida Solar for All

Florida Solar for All (FSFA) is a statewide program that is helping Floridians lower their energy bills long-term by making solar installations more affordable and accessible for income-qualified families. It is available to Florida residents who meet certain income requirements. FSFA will serve both homeowners of single-family, owner-occupied homes and multifamily affordable housing units. Check back for more details when the program launches.

Municipal

The city of Clearwater is advancing its clean energy commitment by installing solar photo-voltaic systems on its municipal facilities as well as tapping on clean electricity through the grid.

Clearwater Solar Projects

In 2023, the city’s first solar project went live at Coachman Park. Three solar systems totaling 59.34 kW DC went on the rooftops of the Dockmaster building, the Bandshell building, as well as the Event Restroom facility. This park also features 2 modular solar+battery picnic pavilions.

The city has also installed many modular solar parking meters around town to tap on renewable energy from the sun and reduce energy reliance from the grid.

Duke Clean Energy Connection

The city of Clearwater has partnered with Duke Energy to subscribe to their Clean Energy Connection Program. The city has committed to obtaining 59% of its annual electricity usage for selected facilities through the program and is projected to save approximately $6,276,326 over 33 years.

Each year, Clearwater retires Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) through the Clean Energy Connection program. RECs represent the amount of clean energy produced by solar facilities as a direct result of the city's participation. These credits serve as a visual representation of the clean energy generated in place of traditional energy sourced from fossil fuels. Since the city’s enrollment in Duke’s program, the city has retired 1,967 RECs equivalent to 1,976,529 kWh in 2022, and 10,534 RECs in 2023, equivalent to 10,534,457 kWh.

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