Florida Catching Up to Solar Power

Despite being known as the "Sunshine State," Florida has long lagged behind other states in adopting solar power. However, that's now starting to change.

Just this week, Florida switched on its largest solar energy system yet: the Sunshine Energy Solar Array, located on what was once a landfill in Sarasota County. Gov. Charlie Crist, who has encouraged the development of clean energy and climate protection measures since taking office in January 2007, was on hand for the dedication.

"The economic future of our state is linked to our maintaining its natural beauty, and this solar power facility is an excellent example that other communities can work to achieve," Crist said during the event.

Although not actually as consistently sunny as the Southwestern U.S., Florida receives about 85 percent of the maximum solar energy available on a daily basis, according to the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC). That's about 7.2 kilowatt-hours per day, compared to a maximum of 8.5 kilowatt-hours per day.

The U.S. in general boasts more available sunshine than places like Japan and Germany, but solar power is far more widely implemented in those countries. Similarly, Florida has historically taken less advantage of solar energy than cooler, cloudier states like New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

However, there are signs that Florida is working to catch up.

Last summer, for example, Crist hosted the state's first Summit on Global Climate Change. During the summit, he signed executive orders that, among other things, called for the removal of past market barriers that stood in the way of developing solar, wind and other renewable energy technologies.

"In Florida we are working to increase our energy efficiency and our use and production of ethanol and other alternative fuels for our vehicles," Crist said during a December roundtable discussion with other governors on alternative energy. "As we learn from the successes of other states, we strengthen Florida's position as a leader in reducing carbon emissions and addressing global climate change."

This week's launch of the Sunshine array gives Florida the second-largest solar energy system in the Southeastern U.S. The 1,200-panel installment is expected to generate about 250 kilowatts of electricity, enough to serve the needs of about 55 homes.

That might not sound like much, but it's a start.

Jim Fenton, FSEC's director, recently began serving on Florida's Action Team on Energy and Climate Change. The 21-member group is working to develop recommendations for state energy policies, greenhouse gas emissions reductions and energy diversification. About $50 million is earmarked for solar and wind energy development, while $42.5 million would go toward developing and promoting biofuels in Florida. The remaining $107.5 million would target green industries and economic development.

Two weeks ago, Crist unveiled recommendations for a $200 million energy and economic development budget that calls for increased energy efficiency and development of renewable energy sources. The state also recently released its first-ever State Government Greenhouse Gas Reduction Scorecard, which tracks emissions by state agencies and vehicles. The data will be used to help agencies reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.