A bipartisan opposition coalition has successfully defeated a utility company - backed measure to remove restrictions on solar power in the state of Florida . The measure was voted down , failing to win the 60 % it needed to pass despite more than $ 25 m in support from large energy companies . The coalition opposing the measure is made up of solar companies , environmental organisations , Tea Party groups and elected officials . Florida law only allows utilities to sell electricity to customers ; the Solar Choice amendment would have removed that limitation .
A bipartisan grassroots coalition has successfully defeated a utility company-backed measure to put restrictions on solar power in the state of Florida. The measure was voted down, failing to win the 60% it needed to pass despite more than $25m in backing from large energy companies. The coalition opposing the measure is made up of solar companies, environmental organisations, Tea Party groups and elected officials. Florida law only allows utilities to sell electricity to customers; the Solar Choice amendment would have removed that limitation.