FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 6, 2003
CONTACT: Linda Long, (850) 245-2112

Pensacola School Receives Solar Electric System

--Solar energy lights classrooms and imaginations--

PENSACOLA – Florida schools are using the state’s free supply of sunshine to boost their energy needs. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), together with Gulf Power, the Florida Solar Energy Center and Escambia County Schools, today held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly installed solar electric system at Pensacola’s West Florida High School for Advanced Technology.

“Planning for future energy needs ensures a brighter tomorrow for Florida,” said DEP Deputy Secretary for Regulatory Programs and Energy Allan Bedwell. “Installing solar technology in our schools protects our environment and quality of life and also provides an unparalleled educational opportunity for students.”

This first solar electric system installation launches Florida’s Solar for Schools Program, which aims to place 29 solar electric systems in schools throughout the state. A first of its kind in Florida, the public-private partnership combines clean energy production with science in schools.

“Florida’s energy and environmental futures are inextricably linked,” said Bedwell. “The most important source of energy is the energy we conserve. Advancing clean energy technology conserves resources, prevents pollution, saves taxpayer dollars and, in this case, teaches valuable lessons to the leaders of tomorrow.”

Unlike fossil fuels, the energy created by the solar unit emits no noise or pollution. The electric power generated by the system will be used to power the school’s classrooms, with excess energy returned to the local power grid. The system will also provide an on-site classroom for students to learn more about solar power and the benefits of energy conservation.

“The solar facility will be a valuable teaching tool and will give students an opportunity to view energy from another perspective,” said West Florida High School Principal Lesa Morgan.

West Florida High School is the only school in Escambia County participating in the Solar for Schools Program. The school integrates traditional academic subjects with technical training to prepare students for employment or post-secondary education.

Florida’s Solar for Schools Program is funded by the Florida Energy Office and managed by the Florida Solar Energy Center. The Center is providing the engineering design for system installations and inspections, and posting select metered data online at http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/pvt/pvbasics/index.htm.

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Resources for: Citizens Educators Businesses Government Information Calendar Contacts News Newsletters Organizational Chart Publications & Reports Unless indicated, documents on this Web site are Adobe Acrobat files, and require the free reader software.	Press Office FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 6, 2003 CONTACT: Linda Long, (850) 245-2112 Pensacola School Receives Solar Electric System --Solar energy lights classrooms and imaginations-- PENSACOLA – Florida schools are using the state’s free supply of sunshine to boost their energy needs. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), together with Gulf Power, the Florida Solar Energy Center and Escambia County Schools, today held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly installed solar electric system at Pensacola’s West Florida High School for Advanced Technology. “Planning for future energy needs ensures a brighter tomorrow for Florida,” said DEP Deputy Secretary for Regulatory Programs and Energy Allan Bedwell. “Installing solar technology in our schools protects our environment and quality of life and also provides an unparalleled educational opportunity for students.” This first solar electric system installation launches Florida’s Solar for Schools Program, which aims to place 29 solar electric systems in schools throughout the state. A first of its kind in Florida, the public-private partnership combines clean energy production with science in schools. “Florida’s energy and environmental futures are inextricably linked,” said Bedwell. “The most important source of energy is the energy we conserve. Advancing clean energy technology conserves resources, prevents pollution, saves taxpayer dollars and, in this case, teaches valuable lessons to the leaders of tomorrow.” Unlike fossil fuels, the energy created by the solar unit emits no noise or pollution. The electric power generated by the system will be used to power the school’s classrooms, with excess energy returned to the local power grid. The system will also provide an on-site classroom for students to learn more about solar power and the benefits of energy conservation. “The solar facility will be a valuable teaching tool and will give students an opportunity to view energy from another perspective,” said West Florida High School Principal Lesa Morgan. West Florida High School is the only school in Escambia County participating in the Solar for Schools Program. The school integrates traditional academic subjects with technical training to prepare students for employment or post-secondary education. Florida’s Solar for Schools Program is funded by the Florida Energy Office and managed by the Florida Solar Energy Center. The Center is providing the engineering design for system installations and inspections, and posting select metered data online at http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/pvt/pvbasics/index.htm. -30- Sign up for DEP's Press Releases email: Last updated: June 23, 2004
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