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Examiner Bio Transforming rooftops into key elements of a distributed, clean energy generation strategy
December 6, 6:21 AMMiami Green Technologies ExaminerCarlos NunezPrevious
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Distributed PV mini plants on rooftops feed electric grid.
AP Photo/Benny SnyderIf you like this ...
A glimpse over green technologies training and jobs in South Florida – December 2009
View all » An installation program started recently by electric utility companies to place solar generating plants on roofs is capturing a lot of requests from property owners. The main idea is to install photovoltaic (PV) energy systems connected to the utility’s electric grid. Under this program, utilities will add to their grid energy generated from solar mini plants distributed on top of roofs and grounds of buildings, including residential, commercial and public locations. Some of the companies leading this initiative include Duke Energy and Progress Energy in North Carolina.

The Distributed Solar Energy Program of Charlotte-based Duke Energy estimates future investments of about $50M to generate 50 Megawatts. Under Duke’s business model, the utility owns, installs, operates and maintains the solar panels that generate electricity directly to the grid. The utility pays a rent to the property owner and at the same time expands its source of green energy to comply with State laws. The first phase of the program is just starting with a pilot project that includes only 4 large commercial buildings that will generate 4.6 Megawatts. The second phase includes additional large non-residential buildings and the third and last phase includes residential customers with installations starting by second quarter of next year.

Progress Energy from Raleigh, has signed contracts with 10 commercial owners under its SunSense program. Their model is different. In their case, the property owner buys, install, operates and maintains the solar system selling energy to Progress at $0.18 per Kilowatt-Hour. Their initiative also includes a Solar Water Heating program. In Orlando, Florida, 17 BP gas stations have canopies with solar panels interconnected to their grid.

Both companies are identifying more candidates for their programs. Selection criteria include age of the building, distance to transmission lines and amount of sunlight received.

More information about Duke Energy Solar PV Distributed Generation Program is available at www.duke-energy.com/north-carolina/renewable-energy.asp. Details about the Progress Energy SunSense program in North Carolina and Florida can be found at http://www.progress-energy.com/environment/ras/solar.asp.


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Comments
Carlos says:
Valerie, thank you very much for your comments and welcome. I have checked your interesting articles and I plan to write about Gainesville soon in response to your suggestion.

Thanks and Happy Holidays!
December 8, 12:53 AM
Valerie says:
I am glad to see another examiner dealing with green issues. Maybe you can write an article about what is going in Gainesville with solar installations and power generations. FPL seems to be unaware of what is happening just north of us so maybe you can enlighten them.Meanwhile, please feel free to check out my articles at www.examiner.com/x-23222-Fort-Lauderdale-Green-Culture-Examiner
December 6, 7:38 PM
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