Progress Energy Florida, based in St. Petersburg, has launched SolarWise for Schools, a program designed to advance the installation of photovoltaic (PV) solar energy systems at schools throughout the company's 35-county service territory. The program will also support solar energy education initiatives for students.
Progress Energy has previously partnered with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Solar Energy Center to install PV systems at 11 schools throughout the company's service area as part of the SunSmart Schools program.
Progress Energy Florida customers can take part in SolarWise for Schools if they are enrolled in EnergyWise, the company's energy management program. EnergyWise enables Progress Energy to temporarily cycle off power to select electrical equipment – such as central heating and air units, water heaters and pool pumps – during periods of peak community demand. In exchange, customers receive monthly credits on their electric bill that can total more than $145 annually. Customers have the option to keep these credits or automatically contribute these monthly savings toward SolarWise for Schools. Currently, there are 350,000 customers enrolled in EnergyWise.
