Gov. Charlie Crist, R-Fla., has announced the award of $10 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) grants to the Florida Solar Energy Center in Cocoa Beach, Fla.
The grant, known as the SunSmart School and E-Shelters program, is a portion of the $126 million the state received in funding for energy-related initiatives under ARRA. The program provides opportunities for state agencies, local governments and businesses to deploy renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies, resulting in economic development and job growth in Florida's clean technology sector, according to the governor's office.
The SunSmart School and E-Shelters program advances the use of renewable energy through the installation of solar energy systems. The program also supports solar energy education initiatives for students and renewable energy curriculum training for teachers.
At least 90 schools selected to serve as emergency shelters will be supported by the SunSmart School and E-Shelters program. These strategically located schools will be assisted with their installation of PV systems with battery backup. Data loggers will also be on each site. In addition, the program will include operation and maintenance workshops for facility managers and energy curriculum workshops for teachers.
SOURCE: Office Of Gov. Charlie Crist
