State rebates and IRS credits have convinced builder David Schroeders that solar PV is now cost effective in Florida. Embracing the “zero energy concept” (efficiency from the ground up) lowers electricity consumption enough in his houses so that PV can offset it. Four of his homes should be ready in September. Read More…
-Sam Kendall
2.1 KW PV systems will be available to customers at a new development north of Naples. Battery backup is included. Read more…
- Sam Kendall
In a recent report published by the Prometheus Institute and Worldwatch Institute, a projected 40% decline in photovoltaic cell production costs should be realized as early as 2010. A surge in new manufacturing facilities, led mostly by China, was cited as a major contributing factor. To read more on this story, click here.
- Craig Williams
This conference includes Frank Leslie’s session on March 7th on Renewable (Sustainable) Energy from 2:00 p.m. until 4:20 p.m.
News Release
MELBOURNE, FLA.—Florida Tech will address smart growth and environmental sustainability at its fourth international, interdisciplinary forum, “Sustainable Pathways: New Research and Practices,” on March 6-7 on campus. The forum is a collaborative effort of the Florida Tech College of Business and
College of
Science, and Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME). The public is invited to attend. And additional sponsors are being sought.“The forum will focus on practical solutions to emerging sustainability issues from business, science and socio-political viewpoints,” said Gordon L. Nelson, dean of Florida Tech’s
College of
Science. “It is designed to appeal to a varied audience and will offer the latest academic research and perspectives for practitioners and public policy makers.”Speakers complementing Florida Tech and BME speakers will include Ken Lindeman, Environmental Defense Fund; Isabella Bunn, Oxford University; Keith Winsten, Brevard Zoo; Laurilee Thompson, Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival; Duane E. De Freese, Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute; Terry Gibson, Florida Sportsman Magazine; Mark Chatelain, Johnson Controls; William Broussard, Forever Florida; Bob Martinez, former Governor of Florida; Suzanna Hecht, UCLA and Princeton University; Frank Jackalone, Sierra Club, Florida; and Steven Seibert, executive director of the Century Commission for a Sustainable Florida, to name a few.Sponsors include: Environmental Defense Fund, FP&L, Waste Management and Florida Institute of Technology.Online registration is available at http://research.fit.edu/sustainability/register.phpA conference registration fee of $85 entitles registrants to attend all daily sessions as well as luncheons. The fee is $25 for students. A separate fee of $45 covers a keynote dinner on the evening of March 6. For more information, and to register, contact Linda Ward at (321) 674-7573 or at lward@fit.edu.
I’ve noticed a lot of people searching for info on solar rebates and finding our blog. I want to make sure they find what they’re looking for. Click here to go to our web page on solar rebates and tax incentives.
Craig Williams
On Saturday, October 7th, the National Solar Tour from the American Solar Energy Society will be taking place all across the country to promote the potential of solar energy. Thousands of solar-powered homes and buildings in 44 states will be open for public tours. Eleven of those homes will be right here in the Orlando area as part of the Central Florida Solar Tour. Find the sites closest to you and come see solutions at work. Click here for details.
Craig Williams
Here’s a good article in the Bradenton Herald on the PV park that FPL will be constructing in Sarasota. Hopefully, a shining example of more to come.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection now has applications available for rebates to homeowners and business owners who want to install solar thermal or electric systems. The DEP web page where the forms can be found is here. For more information on the program, FSEC’s website has a page on it here.
Jeb Bush signed the Florida Energy Act into law yesterday at a ceremony in Tampa. The new law sets up a rebate for photovoltaic systems at $4 per watt with a cap at $20,000 for residential customers. A $500 rebate will be given for installations of solar hot water systems manufactured in the state and $300 for imports. All rebates are to be effective July 1, 2006.
The bill also establishes an Energy Commission to advise the governor and legislature on energy issues. Other incentives for energy conservation and biofuels are included. An article on the signing can be found here at the Lakeland Ledger. For more details on the rebates and incentives, click here for the Florida Solar Energy Center’s website.
Overall, it’s a welcome but modest start for renewables in Florida. There’s still much more work to be done.
Craig Williams
Florida Tech to Celebrate Earth Day with Five-Hour Outdoor Concert
MELBOURNE, FLA. – Florida Tech will celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 22 with its Second Annual Florida Solar Music Fair. A variety of bands will turn out between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to make solar- and wind-powered music. Planners have also scheduled several speakers and are preparing exhibits to educate and enlighten on renewable energy and sustainable living. The fair will take place near the Clemente Center for Sports and Recreation south of University Boulevard. The Green Campus Group and the IEEE, Melbourne Section will sponsor the fair. This event is free. For more information, click here or send an e-mail to hrobinso@fit.edu.
