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| Britt J. Rosen, CCIM at Broward Solar Fair |
The
event was hosted by FPL & Broward County to promote:
- Green energy options
- Reducing costs of permitting
- Latest technologies
- Financing options
- Solar installation
- Jobs and training
The
solar fair was an excellent way for the public to learn about the new solar
energy ideas and systems. Distributed
generation (DG), interconnection, microgrid, net metering, net-zero and
photovolataics were the topics discussed in breakout seminars.
Trade
show booths allowed contractors and suppliers to meet with the public to demonstrate the use of: solar systems, marine applications, fastening
systems, inverters, batteries, electric cars, and hot water heating systems.
There
are many applications for both residential and commercial properties, including
small wind turbines.
Photovoltaics
are any solar-electric energy cells in numerous forms and configurations. The
new glass panels are 4' x 8' size and
can be fastened above the existing roof surface in conformance with the Florida
Building Code. The panel design and arrays appear like this (click here).
If you
are installing a new roof you should consider laying out the fasteners at the
"hot mopping" of the roof as the support systems attach to the
plywood sheathing.
According
to expert Jeff Johnston of Zina Electric, an exhibitor & contractor, the
typical homeowner can save approximately $100 per month on their electric bill using these systems. Commercial systems costing $10,000 can
potentially save up to $300 to $400 per month.
This is
positive leverage considering today's low cost of money.
Solar
arrays power the typical 120 volt home circuits. However, the hot water heater and washer/dryer systems which are the large
power systems are usually powered at 220 volts and cannot be supplied by the typical glass panels. The
solution for hot water is the special
single 4' x 8' single solar panel where the water circulates from the tank to
the panel in a loop. FPL is currently offering a $1,000 rebate on solar water heaters are less complex installations as they require only one 4' x 8' special panel.
Most
renewable energy for the residential home's 120 volt circuits are "sold back to the grid"
unless stored in special back-up batteries for use within the home or "off the grid".
The
commercial real estate sector can benefit greatly from these systems offering
cost savings in reduced electricity bills.
There are Federal and State incentives for these applications, which
reduce the total costs.
Florida
has an estimated 300 of 365 days a year of sunshine and we should take
advantage of it!
