You’re just a click away from your solar permit,
the Go SOLAR Online Permitting System is Now Live!
Imagine a process that currently takes weeks to accomplish that is now reduced to a few clicks of your mouse button. Imagine also that the system that you’re utilizing is unique to Broward County and the entire county. The Go SOLAR Online Permitting System is a unique accomplishment made possible by the Go SOLAR Broward Rooftop Solar Challenge. This is a U.S. Department of Energy grant-funded program that makes it easier for Broward County residents and businesses to convert to solar energy by reducing the cost and wait time associated with the permitting process for installing photovoltaic (PV) rooftop solar systems.
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Broward County is seeking judges for this year’s High School Public Speaking Competition
We are seeking representatives from the solar industry (solar contractors, renewable energy attorneys, solar training institutions) to serve as judges for the third annual High School Public Speaking Competition. Students have been appointed to the State of Florida Energy Office to research and develop solar energy in the state of Florida. As part of their speech they will discuss a strategic plan, providing action steps and factual evidence, to promote solar energy generation and enhance solar market conditions in our state. More…
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Go SOLAR Fest Was a Shining Success.
The Go SOLAR Fest proved to be popular. Over 1,225 local, state and federal government officials, licensed solar and electrical contractors, renewable energy companies, financial institutions, solar installers, potential customers, legal experts, homeowner associations, residents and local businesses, 54 exhibitors and 37 speakers attended the two-day event. South Florida residents along with small business owners were treated to a jam packed two-day agenda which highlighted solar for South Florida.
Go SOLAR Fest Event Highlights!
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Making Solar Energy Easy!
About Go SOLAR Broward Rooftop Solar Challenge
Go SOLAR Broward Rooftop Solar Challenge is a U.S. Department of Energy grant-funded program that makes it easier for Broward County residents and businesses to convert to solar energy, by reducing the cost and wait time associated with the installation process for photovoltaic (PV) rooftop solar systems.
Solar energy has long-term economic and environmental benefits, but the traditional application and permitting process for PV systems, which varies across Broward’s 31 municipalities, can be a barrier to those interested in retrofitting their home or business for increased energy efficiency.
Go SOLAR Broward Rooftop Solar Challenge removes that barrier by offering home and business owners and/or their contractors, who reside in participating cities, a streamlined, online application system with standardized fees, and uniform interconnection to utility systems.
According to the DOE a residential rooftop solar PV system is less than approximately 10kW and a small commercial system is less than approximately 300kW.
Broward County is one of only 22 governments in the nation to receive funding for the SunShot program. Several state and local organizations are also participating in the program, including Florida Power & Light, Broward County School Board, Broward League of Cities, Broward County Board of Rules and Appeals, State Office of Energy, and Florida Solar Energy Center.
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Solar PV Installers, Manufacturers and Educational Institutions are Encouraged to Partner with Go SOLAR
Broward County’s Go SOLAR Team is seeking an Advantage Marketing agreement in two areas with solar PV installers, educational institutions, mounting manufacturers and the solar industry.
Solar PV Educational Displays: Co-Sponsorship Opportunity
Broward County is offering the opportunity of co-sponsorship on educational displays for the Government Center West lobby. The sponsor will provide and maintain a basic educational display for a three-month period about the benefits of solar energy. The display could include a solar panel or a cut-away of a panel for the public to see and touch (protected to avoid injury), a rack system, an inverter and any additional components that a resident or business would need to install a solar PV system. Also, the display should include educational signs and literature that the public can take away. Electricity will be provided. Available floor space would be a maximum of 4 feet by 10 feet.
Solar PV System Installation to Power Go SOLAR Kiosk at Government Center West
The sponsor will install a permanent solar system outside the east entrance of the Governmental Center West to power a Go SOLAR permitting Kiosk. Solar unit should include a solar panel for the public to view, along with a descriptive display of the solar system and the name and logo of company.
Co-sponsorship Benefits
The company’s educational display will be available to all visitors to the Government Center West lobby. The company can provide educational information about their specific products and services. The company will be showcased as a sponsor on the Go SOLAR website, kiosk and e-newsletter.
Release of the Advantage Marketing Agreement announcement is posted on the Broward County Purchasing website
Solar PV Manufacturers Encouraged to Partner with Go SOLAR
Broward County’s Go SOLAR Team is seeking an Advantage Marketing agreement with solar PV mounting manufacturers and the solar industry.
Through this agreement, a company will provide an electronic set or sets of solar photovoltaic (solar PV) rooftop mounting system design plans as outlined in the agreement and in exchange, Broward County will include the company’s plans and required equipment list (as submitted under the agreement) as an option on the Go Solar online permitting system, which could eventually be used beyond just Broward County; will maintain the mounting plans on the permitting system for the life of the system; and will provide services to increase customer traffic to the online permitting system, as stipulated in the Department of Energy (DOE) Rooftop Solar Challenge agreement between DOE and Broward County.
Release of the announcement will be posted on the Broward Purchasing web site.
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