nice

Do not WASTE tax money.
Request offers from PRIVATE investors.

Solar FRAUD http://www.heartland.org/Article.cfm?...

That is an eye opening read jacktanner.

I think this is absolutely an amazing concept and hope to see it come to fruition.

At least some positive news is coming out of the feeds these days.

No matter the political motives that may be involved in this plan or decision by the state officials, I whole-heartedly am very pleased to see this step being made forward.

Don't miss JackTanner link.

JackTanner, that artical is 6 years old. "They also recognize that solar energy—using all conceivable technologies—will not be adequate to run an industrialized world." All conceivable as of 6 years ago.

Anyhow Howard Hayden doesnt belive in global warming so he seems to be missing the big picture.

I am proud to see Americans in fuel cost crisis mode. Need is the mother of invention. And we need a industral renaissance.

Jacktanner fans:

our energy problems will not be solved with one solution, but many. This is one very good solution, especially since the system will pay for itself over time. I would imagine the summer will be a boon for FGCU, school is out (less power use), and the sun is blaring.. FPL will be paying for alternative fuel and that helps us all.

Hybrid cars, wind power, hydro power in combination with other will reduce our dependency on traditional fuels, ALL GOOD!

jacktanner,,

As noted, the article you cite by Lehr is 6 years old. efficiencies in solar and wind production will only continue to grow. The heartland article cited figures from 6 years ago that it would take 127 square miles to produce 1,000 megawatts of power. FGCU will produce 2 megawatts with only 16 acres.

There are 640 acres in a square mile. Therefore, 1 square mile with the same type solar generation as will be in place at FGCU would produce 80 megawatts. 127 square miles would produce 10,160 megawatts. So, if no more research was done to make solar more efficient in the future, then it would still be 1160% more productive than Lehr's estimates. Lehr's estimates about wind power are similarly off.

Not included in the $1,000,000 per year energy savings is benefits that come from energy independence. This is a great investment, even if the state was paying the full $17 million. We are getting it at half price.

Amazing. They cut the budgets forcing state run higher ed institutions to impose enrollment caps, but find a way to blow a chunk of money on solar arrays? What makes FGCU so special? Don't get me wrong, I'm as pro-green as the next person, but that's a lot of money that could have been better spent.

A lot of money spent. But the money they will save from electricity will compensate

Solar power technology is growing by leaps and bounds, the future holds the promise of 'Solar' coatings that can be applied directly to building surfaces to generate power.

While it may not be sufficient to power the vast transportation networks of the world it can power nearly every single family residence on the planet.

It is grossly stupid to ignore the source that creates all energy on Earth.

lets just drill for our own oil and build more nuke plants which don't pollute. we need lots more gas and diesel for the millions of vehicles on the road which we will be stuck with for many years to come.
there is no yellow brick road dorothy and there is no wizard of oz.
nothing wrong with solar but its not going to solve all the problems of energy today.

Solar doesn't just mean solar panels. Passive solar can reduce costs of heating water, effectively. Use of landscaping and trees to block the sun from hitting buildings prevents solar energy from heating them up saving money on cooling the buildings. Solar is an assistant power source it is not a system all itself, but if solar can assist for it's most applicable uses and save energy and stop emissions then it will be productive.

It would also be beneficial if this program included gray water use, cisterns and water collection systems as well. Every bit helps especially in a controlled campus.

Why does everyone think Nuclear Power doesn't pollute?
The waste created lasts thousands of years and has to be dealt with.

As a leading and global renewable energy industry executive and full-time Naples resident, I would like to offer my sincerest congratulations to FGCU on this wonderful and exciting initiative! Let me state clearly that SW Florida is way behind other parts of the country and world in all things sustainabi; however I am trilled at this is a great, great step.

Mother Earth knows nothing about politics. At the national level this is increasingly not a democrat vs. republican issue.

Keep up the great work and I truly hope that many residents will follow through and deploy either Solar PV or Solar Thermal Energy on their businesses and residences!

another feel-good administrative waste of tax monies. this "system" will be installed, won't work, more money, and we will never hear about it again.

even if the sales pitch is correct is FGCU using that much electricity? if they want to be environmenal and all turn off a light or two!

hey, if this 16 acre electrical grid gets hit by lighting maybe they will save even more!

and Noldes, you make me want to puke pal. you all have been at this rip-off for a really long time now and the only positive result is the taxpayer rip-off called the International Space Station.

so, if you want to live in a tin can up in space or on a mountain somewhere where you can't run an extention cord solar panels are as good as you're gonna get. want to run a Nation? you're gonna need someting reliable and sustainable 24/7/365. which is what we have. let's improve on what works, as we have been.

When are all the taxpayers going to wise up. This project WILL NOT save money. It WON'T WORK. It will be a gravy train for a select few. Government DOES NOT solve problems. It creates them. What a bunch of bumbling idiots. Seems it's easy to p*ss away other peoples money.

All govt bujildings in SWFL should produce solar power. The naysayers can move to the Middle East if they are so in love with oil.

Why fool around?
Donate 50-100 acres FGCU to FPL. See if they'll factor this "money maker".