All funds are currently allocated.
The 2007 funding cycle's money has been allocated. If you are interested in participating in the SunSmart Schools program and would like to be notified when more funding is available, please contact Susan Schleith.
Introduction
As part of the SunSmart Schools Program administered by the Florida Solar Energy Center, up to 25 elementary, middle, or senior high schools, vocational schools, or colleges and universities will be competitively selected to receive a 1 or 2-kilowatt (kW) demonstration system or a 10-kW emergency shelter PV system.
Schools Selected for the 2006-2007 Program:
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2003-2004 Participating Schools List
Vendor Information
In order to participate in the program, PV system installers must have a valid contractor’s license and use an FSEC certified system (see list of systems by clicking here [Adobe Acrobat PDF, 24kb]) or design a PV system and submit it for approval. Information on submitting systems for approval can be found and on our Web site here. In order to be posted on this Web site as an installer, please fill out the Vendor Response Form [MS Word Document, 37kb] and fax it to Stephen Barkaszi at (321) 638-1010.
System Design List for Schools [Adobe Acrobat PDF, 24kb]
FSEC Certified Systems
Submitting Designs for Review
Vendor Response Form [MS Word Document, 37kb]
Current Vendor List
Requirements to Receive Funding
Requirements from the School
In order to receive funding for the PV installation, the following items are required from the school:
- Completed Application Form: Some information on the application forms was incomplete at the time of submission. All missing information must be supplied to FSEC.
- Rebate Funds Recipient Identified: Whoever is to receive the rebate funds must be identified.
- Identify the Installer
- Select the PV System to be Installed: Must be an FSEC certified system.
- Internet Provided: The school must provide a network port within five feet of the data monitoring equipment. The location of that equipment should be decided between the school and the PV installer. An IP address must be established for the datalogger as well.
- Power Outlet: The school must also provide a 120 V AC outlet as a power source for the data monitoring equipment within five feet of its location.
- Operation and Maintenance Workshop: The school must provide a utility representative, an administrator and a facility or maintenance person for training on the operation and maintenance of the PV system and instrumentation. It is recommended that an alternate for each representative be designed and also attend training. At first, the systems will be maintained under warranty where identifying any problems and the source of the problem being the primary activity. Eventually, the school should take personnel ownership of the systems and be accountable for all maintenance. Operational training will benefit all the schools in using the systems and in outreach and educational efforts, as well as possibly assisting teachers.
- Educator Workshop: The school must commit to sending two teachers to one of three professional development workshops coordinated by the Florida Solar Energy Center designed specifically for SunSmart Schools.
Requirements from the Vendor
Once a vendor is chosen to install an FSEC certified system, the following items are required by the installer to receive funding:
- Complete Site Survey: The installer must identify a location for the array that has clear access to the sun between 9 am and 3 pm all year. The vendor should fill out the site survey form [MS Excel, 27kb] and submit it with photographs of the PV array locations.
- Data logging equipment location: The installer must identify where the PV inverters will be located and identify a 3’ x 3’ location for the data monitoring equipment. It should be within a few feet of the inverter. The data monitoring equipment will require Ethernet and a 120 VAC power outlet, so the school should play a role in determining the location of this equipment as well.
- One-inch PVC Pipe from the PV array to the Datalogger Location: In order to collect sunlight and PV module temperature data, transducers collecting this information will be installed at the PV array. The wires from this equipment will then run from the array to the datalogger by the inverter. The PVC pipe will make this possible.
- Five-Year Warranty: The vendor must provide the school with a five-year warranty for parts and labor along with a replacement parts list with pricing. The warranty can be sold in addition to the price of the system, and the school is not required to purchase it. However, the offer must be provided.
- Completed Cost Summary Sheet: In the interest of collecting accurate information on the cost and performance of these systems, the vendor must supply FSEC with the following cost summary sheet [MS Word Document, 27kb].
- Permits and Interconnecting Agreement: Copies of any permits that were required to install the equipment must be submitted to FSEC. An interconnection agreement between the school and the utility must be provided as well.
- Copy of Invoice: The installer needs to send a copy of the invoice for the installation of the PV system.
Program Benefits
- Up to $50,000 in financial assistance ($4/Watt for demonstration and $5/Watt for emergency shelter systems).
- Access to qualified equipment vendors and installers.
- Free educational materials that meet Sunshine State Standards, including real-time data access, and a Web site for educators and students. (http://www.energywhiz.com)
- Financial compensation for attending a free solar education workshop.
- Training for facilities personnel in solar equipment operation and maintenance.
Contacts
| Bill Young Technical Contact Click here to contact PH: (321) 638-1443 FX: (321) 638-1010 |
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