Tampa Bay Solar Endorses Candidates to Advance Solar Energy Industry

Tampa Bay Solar, a veteran-owned solar energy company, has announced its endorsement of David Jolly for Governor, Angie Nixon for State Senate, and Kathy Castor for U.S. Representative in the upcoming November elections. The company expressed concerns that recent federal legislation is negatively impacting Florida's solar industry and increasing energy costs for residents.

Company owner Steve Rutherford stated that the endorsements are due to the candidates' open support for advancing solar energy in Florida and reducing energy costs. Rutherford emphasized that these goals should transcend political divides, while criticizing opponents' votes which he claims have increased solar costs and reduced sector investments.

Florida's solar industry has experienced a significant decline over the past year, resulting in business closures and job losses. Tampa Bay Solar attributes this partly to the "Big Beautiful Bill" and its effects on tax credits, which they state have increased the base cost of solar energy by 30% and reduced investments in domestically produced solar products.

Prior to the legislation, solar energy saw substantial growth in Florida, with over 400 companies employing more than 40,000 people. Nearly half of homeowners installing solar panels utilized tax credits for project financing. Tampa Bay Solar, with over 20 years of industry experience, voices concern that solar energy is becoming unaffordable and electricity costs are continuing to rise without such support.