The Sunshine State might have a lot of catching up to do when it comes to solar energy installations, but it’s now on a fast track toward big improvements.
The tide began turning when Gov. Charlie Crist, a Republican with a strong environmental sentiment and an affinity for renewable energy, first took office. Then came the debut earlier this year of Florida’s largest solar array to date, a 250-kilowatt installment in Sarasota County.
And now comes the news that Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) in Ft. Myers has been singled out by state lawmakers for an $8.5 million allocation to build a 16-acre solar farm on its campus. While the funding still needs a final OK from Crist, who’s likely to approve, the money would help FGCU construct what would be the largest university-based solar farm in the world.
Once the allocation is cleared by the governor, FGCU officials plan to move forward aggressively, with plans to begin construction in October and finish by next summer. Upon completion, the state-funded solar farm is expected to provide 100 percent of the campus’ energy needs.
While that project alone could save the school $22 million in energy costs over the next three decades, university officials have even greater ambitions. In addition to the state funds, they hope to collect enough private donations to cover the cost of another solar array that could generate one further megawatt of power.
With developments like this, Florida’s energy security future looks a little brighter every day.
….dude!
Shirley – do you have an indication of how big the wind farm will be, in terms of electricity generated?
Hey Tim, I’m afraid I don’t have that info right now, but will try to find out.
For a rough comparison’s sake, though, the Sarasota solar array covers only about 0.64 acres and generates about 250 kilowatts of energy. If the developments would be comparable, that means Florida Gulf Coast University’s installation (16 acres) could mean up to 6,250 kilowatts or 6.25 megawatts, if I’m doing my math right.
I go to this college heard about it awhile ago. Its gonna be real cool
is your sister eva leeper of cypressbayhigh.who attended gator run who is also a soccer superstar?
Great… And who is going to insure this thing against the hurricanes. 22 Million of taxpayers dollars could be blown away. They need to put in a wind farm instead and sell the electric to other states during hurricanes.
8.5 million… Thats it??? Compared to the 150 million that it takes to build a college football stadium, this is chump change. If our nation would start thinking about its needs instead of what it wants, maybe we can avoid the inevitable apocalypse that we are causing from our selfishness.
Posted this link in http://www.surfurls.com
I live in Fort Myers and this is a great thing. Hopefully this will be a building block of more to come. We need to start using our resources.
now thats whats up, solar power is the way to go.
Shirley,
Who do I contact to find out about the Bidding of this project as I am an electrical contractor with solar photovoltacic experiance. I realize that this is a very large project and may require a large investment.
I’m not sure, Jay. I would contact Florida Gulf Coast University and see who the best person to speak with might be. Good luck!
What companies are involved in the product and in the installation of the product for the farm?
Jeff
Florida Gulf Coast University in Ft. Myers has been singled out by state lawmakers for an $8.5 million allocation to build a 16-acre solar farm on its campus. While the funding still needs a final OK from Gov. Crist, who’s likely to approve, the money would help FGCU construct what would be the largest university-based solar farm in the world.
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Melinda storer
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