Florida Governor's Mansion Becoming More Energy Efficient

Pool heating system will save $45,000 over 10 years

August 2007

Florida Governor Charlie Crist announced that a hydrogen fuel cell and a solar pool heating system have been installed at the governor's mansion in Tallahassee. The HELIOCOL solar pool heating system will reduce the mansion's carbon emissions by 22,000 pounds per year. The fuel cell will supply 5 kilowatts of electric power to the mansion, which is also known as The People's House.

The solar pool heating system will replace the current natural gas system and produce 20% less emissions. The People's House will save about $3,500 on its energy bills the first year and an estimated $45,000 over a 10-year period.

"As the Sunshine State, Florida should be a leader in expanding solar technology to every home and business. Businesses and homeowners alike can take advantage of Florida’s solar energy rebate program," said Governor Crist. For details, see the governor's July 17 press release.

Crist was referring to the Solar Energy Systems Incentives Program, which began in last year as a result of the 2006 Florida Energy Act. Through this program, the state provides rebates to purchase and install solar energy systems. To date, the state has provided $2.5 million in rebates to more than 2,200 Florida residents and businesses. The Florida Energy Office estimates that this program is responsible for generating about 26 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.

The program is still expanding. The 2007 state budget allocated 1 million dollars more than the previous year, for a total of $3.5 million.