The big takeaway from the defeat of Amendment 1 is a resounding yes for more solar power in Florida, especially consumer-generated solar power. But the state is still a long way from the widespread production of electricity from solar facilities, and some would say that was why Amendment 1 failed.
The starting point for understanding why Florida lacks in solar generation is the fact that electric generation in the state is a monopoly service. Florida is one of only four states that do not permit at least some form of competitive electric sales. A customer may self-generate electricity through solar panels or small power plants that are used by some industrial customers, but any excess produced electricity can be sold only to the monopoly electric service provider in that area. This monopoly is so absolute that electricity cannot be given away for free to a third party.
