More than 60 local governmental, military, and business partners as well as Gulf Power employees learned how to be greener thanks to a “Wired” grant from Florida’s Great Northwest designed to train Florida’s workforce on new renewable technologies.

 

Gulf Power, in conjunction with the Florida Solar Energy Center, conducted a two-day Solar Thermal Water Heating workshop at Gulf Power’s Corporate Office in Pensacola on July 28 and 29. This workshop covered the essentials of residential solar systems and was tailored to building officials, decision makers, governmental organizations, and practitioners. 

 

The training complements Gulf Power’s Solar Thermal Water Heater Program, a part of its EarthCents initiative which started earlier this year.

 

“We’re really excited to be able to offer this training to our marketing representatives and interested business partners,” said Sandy Sims, Gulf Power’s Public Affairs manager. “Our customers are showing interest in the program.  They are looking to our business partners to be knowledgeable in the installation, inspection, and maintenance of these systems. This training helps all of us better prepare for the options available as we meet the diverse energy needs in our state.”

 

The training was conducted with the Florida Solar Energy Center, whose main responsibilities are to conduct research, test and certify solar systems and develop education programs for the state.

 

Solar Thermal Water Heating Program Facts

 

Customers can receive a $1,000 rebate when a qualified contractor installs a new solar thermal water heating system. They also may be eligible for an additional $500 rebate from the State of Florida, as well as a 30 percent Federal Tax Credit available to tax payers through tax year 2016.

 

Program participants will receive a free home Energy Check Up, which includes energy savings tips, free compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), and guidelines for successful solar thermal water heating installations.

 

Here’s the great part — customers can save up to 75 percent on their annual water heating cost and reduce CO2 by 5,776 pounds per year.

A History of energy efficiency

 

In the early 1970s, Gulf Power introduced the energy efficiency standard for homebuilding, the GoodCents home program, that’s been used by utilities nationwide. In addition, Gulf Power was the first to offer an innovative home energy management program. Gulf Power’s energy efficiency programs have helped customers reduce their energy demand in Northwest Florida by 350 megawatts — enough to power 100,000 homes.

Solar Thermal Water Heating is just one of many Gulf Power EarthCents programs designed to help customers save money and energy. To find out more call (877) 655-4001 or visit www.gulfpower.com.

Gulf Power Company is an investor-owned electric utility with all of its common stock owned by Atlanta-based Southern Company. The company is a tax-paying utility with rates well below the national average. Gulf Power serves more than 400,000 customers in 10 counties throughout Northwest Florida. The company’s mission is to safely deliver affordable, reliable and environmentally responsible energy to very satisfied customers in strong communities.