Solar Funding Rolls Out to Florida Schools
90 public schools in Florida that double as emergency shelters will receive free solar energy systems under the SunSmart Schools grant program announced last month by governor Charlie Crist. The UCF Florida Solar Energy Center will administer the grants, which are to be pulled from federal stimulus funds received by the state of Florida last year. Each school selected will receive a 10-kilowatt solar electric system complete with battery backup so that in the event of a hurricane, solar panels can provide vital lighting and communications needs, as well as power essential medical equipment.
Officials expect the selection process to be highly competitive. Some 800 schools in Florida are classified Enhanced Hurricane Protection Area (EHPA) shelters. Schools will be chosen based on demographics, emergency shelter needs, partnerships and existing renewable energy education and outreach programs.
“The SunSmart School and E-Shelters [emergency shelters] program will help protect our environment for future generations," said Crist during the announcement. In the short term, the program will provide jobs for local solar installers and vendors. Teachers and students will also benefit.
$8.5 million of the funding will go to buying and installing the solar power systems. The remaining $1.5 million will go to education and outreach. Energy curriculum workshops will be provided for teachers. Students and the public will be able to monitor performance of the systems through data to be uploaded at EnergyWhiz. Operation and maintenance workshops will be held for facility managers as well.
“Our goal is to have PV systems spread throughout the state," said SunSmart Program Manager Susan Schleith. "Ideally, at least one SunSmart E-Shelter in every county."
Story & Photo Via UCF Today
Get FREE Solar Estimates
Our local Solar Contractors are licensed, bonded and insured.
Interested in Home Solar Energy?
Fill in your details below and certified solar contractors will give you FREE estimates.
Solar Blog
Solar
Library Articles
Here is what some folks have said about CalFinder Contractors:
Overall it was a great experience. I would recommend them to anyone. They did exactly what they said the would & they did it on time.
I chose Astrum Solar because I’m in the service business and I wanted a company that takes care of the customer immediately. Astrum Solar was really on top of things. They were really responsive. Astrum Solar’s advanced technology and buyback offer were also factors for me. I liked everything Astrum Solar had to offer.