Gainesville Proves Local Solar Works

If there were any doubts about solar energy having a positive effect on the community, Gainesville, FL has put them to rest. By utilizing a feed-in tariff for locally produced solar power, the Central Florida city has accumulated nearly 15 megawatts of clean, solar energy, essentially replacing a substantial portion of the city’s traditional energy methods. Since the launch of the program in 2009, Gainesville has grown to be one of the world’s leading communities in per capita solar energy generation, and frankly, it’s thriving.

In short, the feed-in tariff allows property owners to purchase and install solar energy equipment at their own expense, and then, sell any surplus of energy produced to the city at a fixed rate over the course of 20 years. However, only Photovoltaics technologies are eligible for the program, and the amount paid is determined by the size and placement of the solar collector.

The idea came from a program used throughout communities in Germany, and proved to bolster an interest in clean energy and save business and homeowners bundles on utilities. Though in its early stages the feed-in tariff was only expected to bring in 4 megawatts in Gainesville, the interest grew quickly, turning 4 megawatts into 15 megawatts over the course of a few short years.

The benefits of clean, renewable resources are clear, and with enough support, the ideas put into action in Gainesville can quickly prove to be a lucrative investment on a larger scales as well.

Image source: http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2012/01/gainesville-florida-becomes-a-world-leader-in-solar