DATE: October 23, 2015
MEDIA CONTACT: Samantha Danchuk, Assistant Director
Environmental Planning and Community Resilience Division
PHONE: 954-519-1295
EMAIL: sdanchuk@broward.org
BROWARD COUNTY, FL - The future for solar energy is getting even brighter in Broward as construction began today on a new solar installation located at Young At Art Museum and Broward County Library.
Dozens of community leaders and solar enthusiasts gathered at the future site to celebrate and preview plans of a 100-kilowatt parking canopy that will provide enough clean energy to power 100 classrooms annually. An interactive display linked to the solar canopy inside the museum will educate visitors on the benefits of renewable energy.
The project is an innovative partnership between Broward County and Florida Power & Light Company (FPL). It is the first solar installation to be built through the FPL SolarNow™ Program, a voluntary-community based solar pilot partnership program designed to bring more solar into local communities. Broward County was the first to sign a partnership agreement with FPL earlier this year.
"When FPL announced their new solar program, we knew Broward County would be the perfect partner," says Dr. Jennifer Jurado, Director, Environmental Planning and Community Resilience Division. "The program was announced on the heels of Broward passing a Community Energy Strategic Plan and a County Operations Renewable Energy Action Plan committing to a 20 percent increase in electricity generated from clean, renewable sources."
The YAA Museum location was chosen for its ability to usher youthful creative excitement into the process of building sustainability and resilience into our community.
"We are extremely honored that Young At Art Museum was chosen as the first goodwill ambassador for FPL's new program," said Mindy Shrago, Executive Director/CEO of Young At Art Museum. "Our building is Gold-LEED® certified and the museum is a teaching facility where we demonstrate environmental responsibility through art education. Children and their families will view the solar panels and discover the importance of bringing solar energy to our community."
"We're delighted that the first solar installation supported by our customers through FPL SolarNow™ will be located at the Young At Art Museum and Broward County Library. Thousands of visitors will have the opportunity to see what solar looks like up close and learn how solar panels generate electricity during the day when it is sunny out," said Pam Rauch, Vice President of Development and External Affairs for FPL.
The solar canopy and interactive display inside Young At Art Museum is expected to be fully functional early next year.
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About Environmental Planning and Community Resilience
Broward County's Environmental Planning and Community Resilience Division protects, restores and enhances the quality, abundance and diversity of the County's natural resources through coordinated management efforts in five areas: water resource policy and planning, urban and natural lands management, beach and marine resources, energy and sustainability, and environmental monitoring. For more information call 954-519-1270, visit our website or follow us on Twitter.
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