subject: Florida Powers Up on Solar [print this page] Florida Powers Up on Solar Florida Powers Up on Solar
Running head: FLORIDA POWERS UP ON SOLAR.
Florida Powers Up On Solar.
By Troy Johnson
Argosy University
MSM program
03/21/11
With nearly 19 million residents, Florida is the fourth most populous state. According to census data the population of FL is scheduled to grow. This is partly due to the influx of retiring baby boomers and the thriving tourism market. Tourism makes up the largest sector of the Floridian economy. Warm weather, Sunny skies, and hundreds of miles of beaches attract about 60 million visitors to the state each year.
Florida's warm climate and favorable tax code is very attractive to business owners and snowbirds alike. The state government and smaller municipalities are aware that this increase in commerce and population will lead to a strain on the State's infrastructure and electrical load capacity. Creating sustainable sources of energy is a challenge for FL, but it is vital for competing domestically and internationally.
To help power Florida's future state officials have contracted companies like Sunbelt Electric of Sarasota to install Florida solar panels to pick up the future energy demand while protecting Florida's coastline. "Governor Charlie Crist joined Florida Power & Light president Armando Olivera for the dedication ceremony of FPL's Sunshine Energy Solar Array.
"I am thankful for the leadership of the Sarasota County government and Florida Power and Light in partnering to provide alternative methods of powering our homes and businesses," Governor Crist said.
"The economic future of our state is linked to our maintaining its natural beauty," said the governor, "and this solar power facility is an excellent example that other communities can work to achieve." (Newswire, 2008)
Although, independent research will reveal that some other states have more strictly sunny days per year Florida can still hold on to its nickname because it is one of the closest states to the equator. This proximity allows for more direct sunlight ideal for generating electricity. Florida power companies have offered many incentives that make going solar a no brainer. The technology for photo voltaic solar panels is reaching the scale needed to make the product affordable for individual property owners and small businesses. Furthermore increased competition in U.S. free markets have served to lower solar power barriers to entry.
Scientists today are not in agreement over Carbon emissions causing climate change because of conflicting data and the omission of data during the Climate Gate scandal. However, economists are in agreement that too much of U.S. energy supply comes from foreign oil. Finding alternative renewable energy resources is a matter of national security. Taking bold steps today to convert U.S. energy infrastructure will leave us less vulnerable to gas prices at the pump. Support for global warming science is waning, but the push for solar, wind, and nuclear will continue as long as gas prices continue to spike. Florida's Sarasota County solar power array is a shining example of how the United States can achieve energy independence for the future.
