Solar gets boost in Florida

TALLAHASSE, Fla., May 17 (UPI) -- A new program introduced in Tallahassee, Fla., puts new emphasis on solar energy.

A list of new programs the city of Tallahassee wants to roll out over the next few years includes a "schools on solar" program aimed at installing several solar-energy systems at an undetermined school site, and a customer photovoltaic program that would subsidize residents who want to install solar-power systems in their homes, the Tallahassee Democrat reported.

David Byrne, the city's director of energy services, presented four new energy-savings programs to a special workshop of the City Commission Wednesday.

"Energy efficiency can be a winner for everybody," Byrne said.

The city of Tallahassee has been developing a portfolio of energy conservation and renewable energy measures since last summer. The new "Schools on Solar" and other energy-saving programs are expected to cost $451,000 over the next six years. The city has millions of dollars budgeted for bigger-ticket items like biomass plants and retrofits to large commercial buildings.

"Customers need to be interested in these programs and need to participate," Byrne said, "or we don't really get anywhere."

Environmental activists who were present at the workshop applauded the efforts.

"It's a good start," said Steve Urse of the Big Bend Climate Action Team. "There's something for everyone."