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Solar Assistance : Solar Heat for Low-income Families. “Dedicated to making Solar Power accessible to people of all income levels.”. Programs. 1) Solar Assistance. 2) Solar Contracting. 3) Youth Training. 4) Research, development and manufacturing. Solar Assistance. Fuel Poverty.
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“Dedicated to making Solar Power accessible to people of all income levels.”
Programs 1) Solar Assistance 2) Solar Contracting 3) Youth Training 4) Research, development and manufacturing
Fuel Poverty A lack of financial resources that requires families or individuals to choose between heat and other basic necessities.
Energy Assistance in Minnesota: • $75 million each year! • 250,000 families apply • 125,000 Families Served • Average allotment: $536 Does Energy Assistance offer a long-term solution?
# of Families in Need Fuel Poverty Heating Costs CRISIS! Energy Assistance Funding
Types of Solar Heat Passive Active Solar Forced Air Water Air Thermosiphon Hot Water Thermosiphon Air Heater Closed Loop Antifreeze Drainback Passive Home Design
Typical Solar AssistanceSystem Performance • 3 Collectors (96 Square Feet) • 9 Million Btus per heating season • $4500 installed cost
Solar Assistance Program Eligibility • Energy Assistance Recipient • Good Solar Site • Weatherized Home • Home Ownership • Sweat Equity
“Efficiency Before Renewables!” Quantity of Energy ? Integrated efficiency & renewable Conventional Efficient Conventional energy use Renewable energy use
Contact informationSolar Rating and Certification Corporationc/o FSEC, 1679 Clearlake RoadCocoa, FL 32922-5703(321) 638-1537E-mail: srcc@fsec.ucf.edu Solar Rating & Certification Corporation • An independent nonprofit organization that tests performance and certifies almost every solar water heater on the market today • Reports efficiency line and annual performance for different climates and temperature uses
Costs and Benefits of Solar Assistance Payback Comparisons *Using 20-30% energy reduction rate on a $1,000 initial annual heat bill. ** Assuming a 95% efficient furnace replacing a 70% furnace on a $1,000 initial annual heat bill.
State and Federal Initiatives for Renewable Heat for Low-income Heating Assistance MN House File 2137 – Petroleum Inspection Fee to be used for Weatherization funding for Solar Heat for Low-income Families Federal Weatherization Assistance Program Rule Change encouraging solar heat for low-income weatherization (Federal Register v.71 n.120. 6/22/06)
Benefits of Solar Assistance • Long-term Solution Fostering Self-reliance • Ending program dependency • Clean technology • Compliant with RES • Promotes National Security • Hedge against energy insecurity • Social Justice and Environmental Issues Addressed with the Same Dollars!
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Governing Design Principles • High Efficiency and Performance • Indoor Air Quality • Durability • Aesthetics • Compatibility with HVAC • Suitable for Small Residential or Large Commercial Install
Solar Forced Air Commercial Installation
“Dedicated to making solar energy accessible to people of all income levels.”