Florida Shines in Solar Decathlon Qualifying round

The US Department of Energy announced on April 15th the finalists for the 2011 International Solar Decathlon.  Florida Universities will be prominent in the competition with five public universities chosen to go toe to toe with some of the world's best.

Florida fields the most Universities by far with Florida International University - a competitor in 2005 - again fielding a team, and Florida State University, University of Central Florida (home of the Florida Solar Energy Center), University of Florida, and University of Southern Florida comprising "Team Florida."  All of Florida's competitors are State Universities.

Congratulations to all of the teams selected for this intellectually grueling competition.

Hopefully our State Legislature will take note and get serious about a renewable energy policy.  There is clearly strong interest from our future engineers, architects, and environmental design professionals to support a renewable energy renaissance in Florida.

About the Solar Decathlon:

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon challenges 20 collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are affordable, energy-efficient, and attractive. The winner of the competition is the team that best blends cost-effectiveness, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency.

The first Solar Decathlon was held in 2002; the competition has since occurred biennially in 2005, 2007, and 2009. The next event will take place in fall 2011. Open to the public free of charge, the event takes place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Visitors can tour the houses and learn how energy-saving features can help them save money today.

For more on the 2011 competition and to check out the prototype houses each team submitted for the competition, visit the announcement on the DOE website: solardecathlon.gov

Miami-Dade looks into tax financing of solar for homeowners

Miami-Dade Commissioner Katy Sorenson pushed a piece of legislation through the Commission calling on the Mayor to develop the "Berkeley model" for renewable energy financing.  Basically a person who lives in an area offering this type of service (currently the City of Berkeley and Palm Springs County, California, Boulder Colorado and a couple other places in the country) can "op-in" to a taxing district like you have for street lights or landscape maintenance.  But instead of mowing the commons of a development, the property owner can use funds to install solar or do major efficiency enhancements like super-efficient windows or an A/C or cool roof and pay back the loan through an assessment on their tax bill.

The resolution calls for a plan to come back for the legislative body's review in three months.

You can read the resolution here

and if you really want a glimpse of what nonsense the Board of County Commissioners can be, watch how long the "debate" dragged out because perennial opponent to Sorenson - Natash Sejas tried to kill the idea and ended up voting against the item along with allies Diaz and Martinez: Video  and click on item 11A9 on the left.

Miami-Dade College PV installation and design workshops - January 15, 16, 22, 23

Workshops for basic and now advanced photovoltaic installation and design are available again at Miami-Dade College through the Earth Ethics Institute.  Classes from January 15 through the 23rd.  Visit their site for details and how to register: www.earthethicsinstitute.org/pvworkshops.asp