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Florida is harnessing one of the state’s most abundant resources to produce clean energy in homes and in schools - the sun. Florida’s solar strategy is expanding the use of the two major types of solar technology -- solar electric systems (or photovoltaics) that produce electricity from sunlight and solar thermal systems that produce hot water. Through partnerships with Florida’s solar industry, utilities and home builder associations, Florida is demonstrating a strong commitment to the sustained use of solar energy technologies. |
Front Porch Sunshine
Governor Crist is putting Florida’s sunshine to work to conserve energy and reduce electricity bills. Florida is providing 150 solar water heaters to residents in 20 underserved communities throughout the state. Named Front Porch Sunshine, Florida is the first in the nation to install solar energy technology in weatherized, low-income homes.
The reliable, low-maintenance solar systems use the sun’s energy, instead of electricity, to heat water. A solar collector installed on the roof holds water that is heated by the sun. A traditional water heater serves as a backup supply of hot water on overcast or rainy days.
The Florida Energy Office, Florida Solar Energy Center and
Florida Solar Energy Research
& Education Foundation
established a partnership with
Front Porch Florida,
a program launched by Former Governor Bush in 1999 to revitalize low-income
neighborhoods, to improve energy efficiency of homes in designated
communities throughout the State. State agencies are assisting
20 designated neighborhoods with community-driven initiatives
for economic growth, education and environmental preservation.
SunSmart Schools
Florida schools are using the state’s free supply of sunshine to light classrooms and the imaginations of students. Florida’s SunSmart Schools Program, is installing 29 solar electric systems in schools throughout the state. The program combines state funding with private partnerships to provide clean energy and science education. Unlike fossil fuels, the energy created by the solar unit emits no noise or pollution. The electric power generated by the system will be used to power the school’s classrooms, with excess energy returned to the local power grid. The system will also provide an on site classroom for students to learn more about solar power and the benefits of energy conservation.
Florida’s SunSmart Schools Program is funded by the
Florida Energy Office and managed by the
Florida Solar Energy Center
. The Center is providing the engineering design for system
installations and inspections, and posting select metered data
online.
SunBuilt
SunBuiltis the latest program to expand solar energy technology in communities throughout Florida. A partnership between DEP, the Florida Home Builders Association and the Florida Solar Energy Research and Education Foundation, SunBuilt provides rebate checks to home builders who install solar hot water heaters in newly constructed homes.
SunBuilt “Gold” Builders sign a commitment to install solar water heating in all new homes that they build in a new subdivision. SunBuilt “Silver” Builders sign a pledge to offer solar water heating as an option for a home buyer in all their new homes in a new subdivision.
SunBuilt Builders are eligible to receive rebates for each solar equipped home constructed. The reliable, low-maintenance solar systems use the sun’s energy, instead of electricity, to heat water. A solar collector installed on the roof holds water that is heated by the sun. A traditional water heater serves as a backup supply of hot water on overcast or rainy days. Benefiting both the economy and the environment, the amount of energy generated annually by a single solar water heater is equal to two barrels of oil, lessening the state’s dependence on petroleum imports.
