Title
Solar Photo Voltaic Panels in Parking Areas (NB)
The proposed Solar Share project was not funded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. However, staff would like to pursue the concept of solar photo voltaic panels in parking areas, roofs and possibly over stormwater facilities. It is anticipated that there may be issues of compatibility with the Land Development Regulations and that this item should be referred to the City Plan Board.
Explanation
Staff made a presentation to the City Commission about the Solar Share application to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) on December 11, 2007. The Florida Legislature appropriated $15 million for the grant program. The DEP received 183 grant proposals seeking nearly $215 million in grant funding. Eight grants were awarded. The Florida Solar Energy Research and Education Foundation received a grant to employ classic market transformation techniques to increase the use of solar, and strengthen and stabilize the solar energy industry in Florida. The University of Florida received a grant for a Renewable Energy Fuels in a Micro-Grid Power Module for a field demonstration of a small-scale Power plant, including operation on a variety of liquid and gaseous biofuels.
The Solar Share application was not awarded the FDEP grant. However, staff would like to pursue the concept of solar photo voltaic panels in parking areas, roofs and possibly over stormwater facilities. Staff recommends that the placement of solar photo voltaic panels in conjunction with new or redevelopment be referred to the City Plan Board for recommendations. It is anticipated that there may be issues of compatibility with the Land Development Regulations, particularly the Landscape Ordinance.
Recommendations
The City Commission hear an update on the status of the Solar Share application to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection; and, refer the issue of shade and solar photo volt...
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