Governor Crist Upgrades Energy Efficiency at the People’s House

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today announced the installation of a hydrogen fuel cell and a solar pool heating system at the Florida Governor’s Mansion. The renewable energy sources will reduce carbon emissions and energy costs, making the mansion more energy efficient and climate friendly.

“Installing a solar power system at the People’s House is part of an ongoing effort to reduce harmful emissions and make the mansion more energy and cost efficient,” said Governor Crist. “As a public servant, I have a responsibility to lead by example and to do what is right for our environment and our economy.”

The swimming pool at the Governor’s Mansion was outfitted with a HELIOCOL Solar Pool Heating System. The solar heating system is a safe, clean and quiet form of renewable energy with low maintenance and operating costs. The system will produce 20 percent fewer emissions than the current natural gas system, saving approximately 22,000 pounds of carbon emissions per year. The Governor’s Mansion will be evaluated to determine if the entire property can be outfitted with a solar power system.

“Solar power is the best choice for the People’s House because it protects our beautiful natural environment as well as saves taxpayer dollars,” said Governor Crist. “While the price of gas and electricity could rise over the next quarter-century, the solar system uses free energy from the sun.”

With the longest lifespan of any pool heating technology, the solar system generates a significant return on the investment for Florida taxpayers. For the average pool, energy savings from a solar heating system pays for the cost of the system in two-and-a-half to three years. The Governor’s Mansion will see a first-year energy savings of over $3,500 and a ten-year fuel savings of over $45,000. Floridians who choose to upgrade to a solar pool heating system are eligible for a state financial incentive.

“As the Sunshine State, Florida should be a leader in expanding solar technology to every home and business,” said Governor Crist. “Businesses and homeowners alike can take advantage of Florida’s solar energy rebate program.”

The 2006 Florida Energy Act, the Solar Energy Systems Incentives Program, administered by the Department of Environmental Protection, provides rebates for purchase and installation of solar energy systems in homes and businesses. Since July 2006, more than 2,200 applicants have been awarded $2.5 million in rebates. In addition, the technology installed under the program represents an estimated nearly 26 million kilowatt hours deferred from the power grid annually – enough to power nearly 1,800 households for a year. Under the leadership of Governor Crist, the 2007 legislative budget increases funding for the solar rebate program from $2.5 million to $3.5 million.

Governor Crist also announced the installation of a five-kilowatt hydrogen fuel cell that will supply power to the Governor’s Mansion. The fuel cell was manufactured by Plug Power Inc. The unit is fueled by natural gas, and contains a reformer that extracts hydrogen from the natural gas and then converts the hydrogen into electricity.

“Fuel cells represent an important tool in reducing the effects of global climate change,” said Governor Crist. “They may help pave the way toward a hydrogen-based system where electricity can be produced directly from hydrogen with no carbon emissions.”

The hydrogen fuel cell reduces the amount of power the mansion draws from the city power grid. Additionally, since the fuel cell is placed at the point where the energy is used, rather than at a central power plant, less energy is lost through transmission. Fuel cells help reduce the need for power lines, and make better use of the existing infrastructure.

Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change

Last week in Miami, Governor Crist hosted the Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change where he signed three Executive Orders as well as partnership agreements with Germany and the United Kingdom to establish Florida’s climate friendly energy policy.

The Executive Orders carry out Governor Crist’s commitment to reducing Florida’s greenhouse gases and increasing energy efficiency. As a result, Florida will pursue renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy, as well as alternative energy including ethanol and hydrogen. Governor Crist committed to partnering with Germany and the United Kingdom to discuss and promote initiatives that broaden the Kyoto Protocol and reduce the emission of greenhouse gases beyond 2012.