FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  December 6, 2003
CONTACT: DEP Press Office, (850) 245-2112

Front Porch Florida Goes Solar

-- Gainesville’s Duval Heights community feels the power of the sun --

GAINESVILLE –Governor Jeb Bush is putting Florida’s sunshine to work to conserve energy and reduce electricity bills. Florida is providing solar water heaters to seven Gainesville households – part of 150 that will be delivered to residents in underserved communities throughout the state. Named Front Porch Sunshine, Florida is the first in the nation to install solar energy technology in weatherized, low-income homes.

“Energy conservation protects the environment and saves money,” said Governor Bush. “Extending the environmental and economic benefits of conservation to Florida’s neediest citizens improves our quality of life and strengthens our communities.”

The reliable, low-maintenance solar systems use the sun’s energy, instead of electricity, to heat water. A solar collector installed on the roof holds water that is heated by the sun. A traditional water heater serves as a backup supply of hot water on overcast or rainy days.

“The Department of Community Affairs is proud to be a part of this collaborative effort,” said Department of Community Affairs Secretary Colleen Castille. “By providing weatherization and energy-saving opportunities to our residents, families that need it most are able to minimize their energy bills and dedicate their financial resources to other important items in their monthly budgets.”

“Florida enjoys extensive sunshine throughout the year,” said Department of Environmental Protection Deputy Secretary Allan Bedwell. “Harnessing the power of the sun is clean, free and expands energy savings to Florida’s underserved communities.”

The Florida Energy Office, Florida Solar Energy Center and Florida Solar Energy Research & Education Foundation established a partnership with Front Porch Florida, a program launched by Governor Bush in 1999 to revitalize low-income neighborhoods, to improve energy efficiency of homes in designated communities throughout the State. State agencies are assisting 20 designated neighborhoods with community-driven initiatives for economic growth, education and environmental preservation.

“I am thrilled the Duval Heights Front Porch community will benefit from this groundbreaking program,” said Patricia West, Director of Florida’s Office of Urban Opportunity – Front Porch Florida. “Bringing the power of solar energy to our communities is a wonderful way for residents to take advantage of the successful collaboration between the Department of Community Affairs, Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Solar Energy Research & Education Foundation and community partners.”

Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) is also assisting local residents to encourage the use of renewable resources by offering rebates for qualifying solar water heating systems. Each Duval Heights Front Porch home may qualify for GRU’s maximum rebate of $450. The rebate will be paid to the Florida Solar Energy Research and Education Foundation to partially offset the cost of each system, helping the program reach as many residents as possible.

“We welcome this opportunity to help low-income households save money by using renewable energy,” said GRU’s Mark Spiller. “We designed our Solar Rebates Program to encourage the installation of reliable and low maintenance solar water heating, which helps the Front Porch Sunshine program reach further into our community.”