Solar energy, biofuels and ocean currents show promise

"Gov. Charlie Crist continues to focus attention on renewable energy in the state, especially through his annual Serve to Preserve summits on global climate change that have been held in Miami the past two years. But, the initial movement toward renewable energy has been slow: It still comprises less than 1 percent of the state’s electric power portfolio, for example.

Big opportunities exist in Florida for solar power, biofuels and ocean energy. Wind power is less promising because of the erratic nature of wind in the tropics. So far, little research has occurred in fuel cell technology here.

SOLAR POWER

The Sunshine State has a love affair with the sun, but harnessing solar power has proven difficult because of tropical cloudiness. Still, significant advances are being made in solar power throughout the state, some of them spurred by Crist’s prodding.

HOT SPOTS

• Florida Power & Light Co., based in Juno Beach, is a national leader in solar power generation, but it was only in June that the company announced significant solar generation plants in Florida: a 25-megawatt photovoltaic plant in DeSoto County; 75 megawatts of solar thermal capacity in Martin County; and 10 megawatts of photovoltaic at the Kennedy Space Center.
• Advanced Green Technologies, at 2100 N.W. 21st Ave., in Fort Lauderdale, is taking solar panel installation to new heights – mostly on commercial roofs. Its founding company, Advanced Roofing, spun off AGT after it began distributing and installing Flexlight PVL, a flexible photovoltaic panel that is hurricane wind-resistant and approved for code compliance in Miami-Dade County.
• The Energy Store, at 601 N .21st Ave.. in Hollywood, offers a broader array of solar-powered and energy-saving appliances and gear for the consumer. Owner Paul Farren will evaluate homeowner energy usage and help recommend a solar panel system for your roof or a solar powered hot water heater. Other items include a solar-powered oven or cell phone charger. "

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