Solar panels to save UF money

The Gainesville Sun

New solar panels will be installed at the University of Florida by the end of November, reducing the university’s energy costs and serving as a teaching tool for professors and students.

Progress Energy will provide the 100-kilowatt solar photovoltaic array for free through its SunSense Schools program, which offers solar energy systems to up to 10 K-12 public schools and one public post-secondary school each year to promote renewable energy education and help schools save money on energy.

UF was chosen based on factors such as the number of students attending the school, the amount of energy consumed on its campus and its commitment to renewable energy education and research. Schools with larger student populations and greater energy needs were more likely to be selected, said Progress Energy spokeswoman Suzanne Grant.