A statewide initiative is underway in Florida to install 29 solar electric systems in schools throughout the state.

The SunSmart program is sponsored by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Progress Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Progress Energy. Secondary school students will learn about photovoltaic systems with a curriculum administered by the Florida Solar Education Center (FSEC).

Lakewood High School in Pinellas County will receive a 4-kW photovoltaic (PV) system.

Students will track energy production from a PV system mounted on the school's roof and conduct scientific experiments and mathematical computation based on the system's energy production and an Internet database.

Other Florida schools that are partnering with Progress Energy include Nature Coast Technical (Brooksville), Winter Park 9th Grade Center (Winter Park), Lyman High School (Longwood), and Celebration School (Celebration).

- compiled by J.J. Siegel

Publication date: 04/05/2004