COCOA, Mar. 18, 2010 – Ninety public schools in Florida will be competitively selected to participate in the SunSmart Schools E-Shelter (Emergency Shelter) program, administered by UCF’s Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC). Each school will receive a solar electric system with battery backup – complete with installation, educational resources and materials, training for school personnel, and professional development for teachers. Schools must submit an online application by April 12, 2010 to qualify for selection.
The 10-kilowatt solar energy system with a battery backup will provide power during outages for critical energy needs such as lighting, communications and essential medical equipment. During normal operations, it will offset electricity costs to the school and reduce greenhouse gases.
Nearly 800 schools in Florida that are designated as Enhanced Hurricane Protection Area (EHPA) shelters are eligible to participate in the E-Shelter program. The selection process will be highly competitive. Schools will be ranked based on demographics, emergency shelter needs, partnerships and existing renewable energy education and outreach plans.
The application process is simple, straightforward and done completely online. “We have worked diligently to make the application process as easy as possible,” said James Haggard, coordinator of Web Engineering at FSEC.
Those interested in participating in the program should visit www.fsec.ucf.edu/go/sunsmart for more information.
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PR10-03