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WINTER 1999

1

INDUSTRY NEWS

CO

NT

EN

TS

VOLUME 19

NUMBER 1

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12

HORIZON:ON THE

BULK RATE

U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDMID-FLORIDA-FL

PERMIT #0070

145 Wekiva Springs RoadSuite 149-BLongwood, Florida 32779Tel: 407.774.9939Fax: 407.774.9941

SOLTECH ’99SOLTECH ’99SOLTECH ’99SOLTECH ’99SOLTECH ’99April 17-21April 17-21April 17-21April 17-21April 17-21Solar Energy Industries Assoc.Solar Energy Industries Assoc.Solar Energy Industries Assoc.Solar Energy Industries Assoc.Solar Energy Industries Assoc.Kansas City, MOKansas City, MOKansas City, MOKansas City, MOKansas City, MOContact: Wendy ReedContact: Wendy ReedContact: Wendy ReedContact: Wendy ReedContact: Wendy Reed (202) 383-2601 (202) 383-2601 (202) 383-2601 (202) 383-2601 (202) 383-2601

SUNRAYCE 99SUNRAYCE 99SUNRAYCE 99SUNRAYCE 99SUNRAYCE 99June 20-29June 20-29June 20-29June 20-29June 20-29US DOE, EDS and GMUS DOE, EDS and GMUS DOE, EDS and GMUS DOE, EDS and GMUS DOE, EDS and GMWashington, DC to Orlando, FLWashington, DC to Orlando, FLWashington, DC to Orlando, FLWashington, DC to Orlando, FLWashington, DC to Orlando, FLContact: Christy CarpenterContact: Christy CarpenterContact: Christy CarpenterContact: Christy CarpenterContact: Christy Carpenter

(415) 332-7270 (415) 332-7270 (415) 332-7270 (415) 332-7270 (415) 332-7270

SSSSSOLAROLAROLAROLAROLAR 99 - 99 - 99 - 99 - 99 -GGGGGROWINGROWINGROWINGROWINGROWING T T T T THEHEHEHEHE S S S S SOLAROLAROLAROLAROLAR M M M M MARKETARKETARKETARKETARKET

June 12-16June 12-16June 12-16June 12-16June 12-16American Solar Energy SocietyAmerican Solar Energy SocietyAmerican Solar Energy SocietyAmerican Solar Energy SocietyAmerican Solar Energy SocietyPortland, MEPortland, MEPortland, MEPortland, MEPortland, MEContact: (303) 443-3130Contact: (303) 443-3130Contact: (303) 443-3130Contact: (303) 443-3130Contact: (303) 443-3130

SSSSSOUTHEASTOUTHEASTOUTHEASTOUTHEASTOUTHEAST B B B B BUILDINGUILDINGUILDINGUILDINGUILDING C C C C CONFERENCEONFERENCEONFERENCEONFERENCEONFERENCE

July 22-25July 22-25July 22-25July 22-25July 22-25Florida Home Builders AssociationFlorida Home Builders AssociationFlorida Home Builders AssociationFlorida Home Builders AssociationFlorida Home Builders AssociationOrlando, FLOrlando, FLOrlando, FLOrlando, FLOrlando, FLContact: Carol StoutamireContact: Carol StoutamireContact: Carol StoutamireContact: Carol StoutamireContact: Carol Stoutamire (850) 224-7933 (850) 224-7933 (850) 224-7933 (850) 224-7933 (850) 224-7933

FFFFFLORIDALORIDALORIDALORIDALORIDA S S S S SOLAROLAROLAROLAROLAR E E E E ENERGYNERGYNERGYNERGYNERGY C C C C CENTERENTERENTERENTERENTER

1999 C1999 C1999 C1999 C1999 COURSESOURSESOURSESOURSESOURSES:::::Energy Gauge TrainingEnergy Gauge TrainingEnergy Gauge TrainingEnergy Gauge TrainingEnergy Gauge TrainingClass 1: April 15-16Class 1: April 15-16Class 1: April 15-16Class 1: April 15-16Class 1: April 15-16 May 13-14 May 13-14 May 13-14 May 13-14 May 13-14

June 17-18 June 17-18 June 17-18 June 17-18 June 17-18Class 2: April 13-14Class 2: April 13-14Class 2: April 13-14Class 2: April 13-14Class 2: April 13-14 May 11-12 May 11-12 May 11-12 May 11-12 May 11-12

June 15-16 June 15-16 June 15-16 June 15-16 June 15-16Class 3: April 12Class 3: April 12Class 3: April 12Class 3: April 12Class 3: April 12 May 10 May 10 May 10 May 10 May 10

June 14 June 14 June 14 June 14 June 14Contact: JoAnn SterlingContact: JoAnn SterlingContact: JoAnn SterlingContact: JoAnn SterlingContact: JoAnn Sterling (407) 638-1014 (407) 638-1014 (407) 638-1014 (407) 638-1014 (407) 638-1014

With $850million in saleslast year,

American manufacturersremain the global leadersin photovoltaic systems.Orders are months aheadof production and severalcompanies are buildingnew plants to turn outmore solar cells (New YorkTimes, August 16, 1998).According to a reportreleased by theWorldwatch Institute, thesale of photovoltaic cellsexpanded more than 40%in 1997. Solar power isnow the world’s secondfastest growing energysource - at an averagegrowth rate of 16 percent

SOLAR POWER MARKETS BOOMINGinvestments by majorenergy companies such asEnron, Amoco, BritishPetroleum and RoyalDutch Shell. Much of therecent growth in solarsales can be attributed tomajor solar programsinitiated in the UnitedStates, Europe andJapan. In 1997, Japaninstalled 9400 systems,and another 13,800 areexpected by the end of1998. In a separate study,Royal Dutch Shell(1988) concluded thatsolar and other renewableenergy sources couldgrow enough to supplyhalf the world’s energyby the middle of the nextcentury.

SOLTECH 99: PoweringAmerica’s Heartland Into theNext Century, will be a “hands-

on” conference, offering bothworkshops and technical sessions.Moving away from the usual policy-based sessions, this year’s approachwill focus on customer-basedapplications with sessions planned on:utility trends and programs, agricultureand remote power, domestic solarapplications (ranging from remotepower to food processing), international

SOLTECH ‘99energy storage and reliability, the PVgap, net metering and the Million SolarRoofs program.

Need more information?Contact Wendy Reed at the SolarEnergy Industries Association at (202)383-2601.

April 17-21, 1999Hyatt Crown Center2345 McGhee StreetKansas City, MO 64108Telephone: 1-800-233-1234

SOLAR AWARD

ENTRIES DUE

PAGE 3

SOUTHEAST

BUILDING

CONFERENCE

PAGE 3

LEGISLATIVE

UPDATE

PAGE 4

TRI-STATE

CC&R GRANT

PAGE 5

ON THE HORIZON

PAGE 12

per year since 1990.World solar

markets are growing atten times the rate of theoil industry, whose saleshave expanded at just 1.4percent per year since1990, say the report’sauthors, ChristopherFlavin and MollyO’Meara. “Solar energymay now join computersand telecommunicationsas a leading growthindustry in the 21stcentury (WorldwatchInstitute, July 16, 1998).

Currently valuedat about $1 billionannually, the solarbusiness has recentlyattracted sizable

SEPCO PV LIGHTINGINSTALLATION AT ORLANDO

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

WINTER 1999

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE & BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MESSAGE:PRESIDENT’’’’’ S

PRESIDENTVictor EyalVictor EyalVictor EyalVictor EyalVictor EyalHeliocol USAHeliocol USAHeliocol USAHeliocol USAHeliocol USA

1ST VICE PRESIDENTGriff CarrisonGriff CarrisonGriff CarrisonGriff CarrisonGriff CarrisonThermal Conversion TechnologyThermal Conversion TechnologyThermal Conversion TechnologyThermal Conversion TechnologyThermal Conversion Technology

2ND VICE PRESIDENTWayne WallaceWayne WallaceWayne WallaceWayne WallaceWayne WallaceSolar SourceSolar SourceSolar SourceSolar SourceSolar Source

SECRETARYBill LippyBill LippyBill LippyBill LippyBill LippyLakeland Electric & WaterLakeland Electric & WaterLakeland Electric & WaterLakeland Electric & WaterLakeland Electric & Water

TREASURERTroy MillarTroy MillarTroy MillarTroy MillarTroy MillarSolar CitySolar CitySolar CitySolar CitySolar City

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTBobZrallackBobZrallackBobZrallackBobZrallackBobZrallackSolar Energy SystemsSolar Energy SystemsSolar Energy SystemsSolar Energy SystemsSolar Energy Systems

1997 TO 1999

Griff CarrisonGriff CarrisonGriff CarrisonGriff CarrisonGriff CarrisonThermal ConversionThermal ConversionThermal ConversionThermal ConversionThermal ConversionTechnologyTechnologyTechnologyTechnologyTechnology

Rick DolanRick DolanRick DolanRick DolanRick DolanUniversity of Central FloridaUniversity of Central FloridaUniversity of Central FloridaUniversity of Central FloridaUniversity of Central Florida

Victor EyalVictor EyalVictor EyalVictor EyalVictor EyalHeliocol USAHeliocol USAHeliocol USAHeliocol USAHeliocol USA

Steven K. GormanSteven K. GormanSteven K. GormanSteven K. GormanSteven K. GormanRenewable Energy GroupRenewable Energy GroupRenewable Energy GroupRenewable Energy GroupRenewable Energy Group

Tom HarrimanTom HarrimanTom HarrimanTom HarrimanTom HarrimanHarriman’s SolarHarriman’s SolarHarriman’s SolarHarriman’s SolarHarriman’s Solar

Skip WestSkip WestSkip WestSkip WestSkip WestFlorida SolarFlorida SolarFlorida SolarFlorida SolarFlorida Solar

CENTRAL FLORIDA CHAPTER PRESIDENTDavid BessetteDavid BessetteDavid BessetteDavid BessetteDavid BessetteAllsolar ServiceAllsolar ServiceAllsolar ServiceAllsolar ServiceAllsolar Service

WINTER 1999

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11

INITIATIVE:FLORIDA MANUFACTURERS’

FlaSEIA wishes to thank the following companies for theirFlaSEIA wishes to thank the following companies for theirFlaSEIA wishes to thank the following companies for theirFlaSEIA wishes to thank the following companies for theirFlaSEIA wishes to thank the following companies for theirfinancial commitment to FlaSEIA and the Florida Solar Energyfinancial commitment to FlaSEIA and the Florida Solar Energyfinancial commitment to FlaSEIA and the Florida Solar Energyfinancial commitment to FlaSEIA and the Florida Solar Energyfinancial commitment to FlaSEIA and the Florida Solar Energyindustry as participants in the Florida Manufacturer’s Initiativeindustry as participants in the Florida Manufacturer’s Initiativeindustry as participants in the Florida Manufacturer’s Initiativeindustry as participants in the Florida Manufacturer’s Initiativeindustry as participants in the Florida Manufacturer’s Initiative(FMI).(FMI).(FMI).(FMI).(FMI).

DHW COLLECTORSDHW COLLECTORSDHW COLLECTORSDHW COLLECTORSDHW COLLECTORSAmerican Energy Technologies, Inc.American Energy Technologies, Inc.American Energy Technologies, Inc.American Energy Technologies, Inc.American Energy Technologies, Inc.

Solar Development, Inc.Solar Development, Inc.Solar Development, Inc.Solar Development, Inc.Solar Development, Inc.SunEarth, Inc.SunEarth, Inc.SunEarth, Inc.SunEarth, Inc.SunEarth, Inc.

Thermal Conversion Technology, Inc.Thermal Conversion Technology, Inc.Thermal Conversion Technology, Inc.Thermal Conversion Technology, Inc.Thermal Conversion Technology, Inc.

POOL COLLECTORSPOOL COLLECTORSPOOL COLLECTORSPOOL COLLECTORSPOOL COLLECTORSAquatherm Industries, Inc.Aquatherm Industries, Inc.Aquatherm Industries, Inc.Aquatherm Industries, Inc.Aquatherm Industries, Inc.

FAFCO, Inc.FAFCO, Inc.FAFCO, Inc.FAFCO, Inc.FAFCO, Inc.Heliocol USA, Inc.Heliocol USA, Inc.Heliocol USA, Inc.Heliocol USA, Inc.Heliocol USA, Inc.

PUMPS AND CONTROLSPUMPS AND CONTROLSPUMPS AND CONTROLSPUMPS AND CONTROLSPUMPS AND CONTROLSCompool, Inc.Compool, Inc.Compool, Inc.Compool, Inc.Compool, Inc.

Independent Energy Inc.Independent Energy Inc.Independent Energy Inc.Independent Energy Inc.Independent Energy Inc.Ivan Labs, Inc.Ivan Labs, Inc.Ivan Labs, Inc.Ivan Labs, Inc.Ivan Labs, Inc.

You can best show your appreciation by buying productsYou can best show your appreciation by buying productsYou can best show your appreciation by buying productsYou can best show your appreciation by buying productsYou can best show your appreciation by buying productsfrom these manufacturers and by urging unlisted manufacturers tofrom these manufacturers and by urging unlisted manufacturers tofrom these manufacturers and by urging unlisted manufacturers tofrom these manufacturers and by urging unlisted manufacturers tofrom these manufacturers and by urging unlisted manufacturers toparticipate in the FMI program.participate in the FMI program.participate in the FMI program.participate in the FMI program.participate in the FMI program.

1998 was a year that will beremembered for a long time tocome for many reasons, El Nino

with its extraordinary weather patterns,the swinging stock market andimpeachment proceedings against thePresident of the United States. In spiteof the many distractions, statistics showthat the solar industry grew in 1998. PVcells are in so much demand thatfactories are having a hard time keepingup. Both commercial and residentialsolar water heating sales have sproutedup nationally and the solar swimmingpool sector did better than ever.

In his 1999 State of the UnionAddress, President Clinton addressedrumors that the solar tax credit wasdead. His recently released 2000Budget Plan, includes $3.6 billion in cutsover the next five years for energy-efficient purchases and renewableenergy. This provision for increasingenergy efficiency and improving theenvironment, included a 15% credit (upto $2,000) for purchases of solar

equipment and a tax credit of up to$2,000 for purchasing energy efficienthomes.

Closer to home, FlaSEIA hasbeen active in forming legislativepriorities (see Eye on Tallahassee, page4) and in preparing for the SEBC SolarShowcase (July 22-24) and the FlaSEIAAnnual Meeting and Award Banquet (atSEBC on July 24th). And, as you mayalready know, Colleen Kettles resignedas Executive Director of FlaSEIA thefirst of the year. She was a terrificExecutive Director and invaluable to thesolar cause in Florida and nationally. Iknow that I speak for every Associationmember in expressing our gratitude forher relentless efforts. She will remain asExecutive Director of FlaSEREF and asan active Board Member of FlaSEIA.

Best regards,

VICTOR EYALNOTE:NOTE:NOTE:NOTE:NOTE: One new issuewhich needs our attentionis the competitive tradeschallenge to DCA Code412.1ABCD.2.4.2. Thiscode states that “...heatedpools shall be equippedwith a cover designed tominimize heat loss.Exception: Outdoor poolderiving over 70% of theenergy for heating fromsite recovered or site solarenergy.” Any memberconcerned about thisshould contact VictorEyal directly so we candecide how best toproceed.

2

MESSAGE FROM

FLASEIA PRESIDENT

VICTOR EYAL

1998 TO 2000

Troy MillarTroy MillarTroy MillarTroy MillarTroy MillarSolar CitySolar CitySolar CitySolar CitySolar City

Peter DeNapoliPeter DeNapoliPeter DeNapoliPeter DeNapoliPeter DeNapoliSiemens SolarSiemens SolarSiemens SolarSiemens SolarSiemens Solar

Charlie CromerCharlie CromerCharlie CromerCharlie CromerCharlie CromerFlorida Solar EnergyFlorida Solar EnergyFlorida Solar EnergyFlorida Solar EnergyFlorida Solar EnergyCenterCenterCenterCenterCenter

Wayne WallaceWayne WallaceWayne WallaceWayne WallaceWayne WallaceSolar SourceSolar SourceSolar SourceSolar SourceSolar Source

Bill LippyBill LippyBill LippyBill LippyBill LippyLakeland Electric & WaterLakeland Electric & WaterLakeland Electric & WaterLakeland Electric & WaterLakeland Electric & Water

Tom LaneTom LaneTom LaneTom LaneTom LaneEnergy ConservationEnergy ConservationEnergy ConservationEnergy ConservationEnergy ConservationServicesServicesServicesServicesServices

1999 SEBC CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

WINTER 1999

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INDUSTRY NEWS��s theofficial newsletter ofthe Florida SolarEnergy IndustriesAssociation, anonprofit, profes-sional association ofcompanies involvedin the solar andenergy conservationindustries.�INDUSTRY

NEWS�is publishedfour times per yearand distributed to allmember companiesof FlaSEIA and abroad range of otherinterested parties.

WINTER 1999

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10

i/4 PageIvan labs

AD

i/4 Page Independent

energy AD

This year’s SEBCconference,scheduled July 22

to 25, celebrates 50 yearsof the Florida homebuilding industry bysaluting suppliers andindustry professionals.Expected to be the largestconference ever, morethan 600 housing-relatedproduct/service providerswill exhibit andapproximately 7,500building industryprofessionals from aroundthe Southeast are expectedto be in attendance.

Keynote speaker,Former First LadyBarbara Bush, will openthe general session(Friday, July 23) speakingabout “Faith, Family andFriends: Reflections of MyPublic and Private Lives.”The conference’s 50-pluseducational programs will

emphasize constructiontechniques, remodeling,sales and marketing,business management andcomputer applications in abuilding environment.

FlaSEIA will holdits Annual Meeting andAwards Banquet duringSEBC on Saturday July24, 1999. For the 4thconsecutive year,FlaSEREF will sponsor

the Solar Showcase at theSEBC Trade Show,featuring solar waterheating, pool heating andphotovoltaic productsavailable from FlaSEIAmember companies. Forinformation on how youcan participate,or for banquetinformation, please contactColleen Kettles at (407)774-9939.

ENTRIES DUE FOR SOLAR PROJECT AWARDS

AAAAAWARDWARDWARDWARDWARD E E E E ENTRYNTRYNTRYNTRYNTRY I I I I INFORMATIONNFORMATIONNFORMATIONNFORMATIONNFORMATION

Postmark Deadline: APRIL 21, 1999Postmark Deadline: APRIL 21, 1999Postmark Deadline: APRIL 21, 1999Postmark Deadline: APRIL 21, 1999Postmark Deadline: APRIL 21, 1999

Include: Project CategoryInclude: Project CategoryInclude: Project CategoryInclude: Project CategoryInclude: Project Category Minimum of One Photograph Minimum of One Photograph Minimum of One Photograph Minimum of One Photograph Minimum of One Photograph Complete Project Description Complete Project Description Complete Project Description Complete Project Description Complete Project Description Participant Credit Participant Credit Participant Credit Participant Credit Participant Credit (as appropriate) (as appropriate) (as appropriate) (as appropriate) (as appropriate)

Mail To: FlaSEIAMail To: FlaSEIAMail To: FlaSEIAMail To: FlaSEIAMail To: FlaSEIA 145 Wekiva Springs Road 145 Wekiva Springs Road 145 Wekiva Springs Road 145 Wekiva Springs Road 145 Wekiva Springs Road Suite 149-B Suite 149-B Suite 149-B Suite 149-B Suite 149-B Longwood, FL 32779 Longwood, FL 32779 Longwood, FL 32779 Longwood, FL 32779 Longwood, FL 32779

Questions: Call Colleen KettlesQuestions: Call Colleen KettlesQuestions: Call Colleen KettlesQuestions: Call Colleen KettlesQuestions: Call Colleen Kettles (407) 774-9939 (407) 774-9939 (407) 774-9939 (407) 774-9939 (407) 774-9939

FSEC NEWS

Ken Sheinkopf hasbeen namedAssociate Director

for Education andInformation. In thatcapacity, he now directscontinuing education,information services,government relations,international programs andpublic relations. Ken also

is responsible forgovernment, industry,private foundation andinternational agencyprogram development andis the director of FSEC’sinternational programs andthe Center’s continuingand university educationprograms.

FlaSEIA is currently acceptingentries for Solar ProjectAwards in the following four

categories: (1) Solar Electricity, (2)Low-Temperature Thermal (poolheating), (3) Mid-TemperatureThermal (water heating), and (4)Special.

Awards - which will bepresented at the FlaSEIA AnnualBanquet during the SoutheastBuilding Conference on July 24th -will be judged on size of project,environmental benefits, energysavings, ease or difficulty ofinstallation and the use of FloridaManufacturer Initiative (FMI)participant’s products. ALL entrieswill be featured in the SpringFlaSEIA newsletter. So get yourentry in, with photographs.

3

WINTER 1999

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4

UPDATE:EYE ON TALLAHASSEE

LEGISLATIVE

CORRECTION: Due toincorrect informationprovided to the IndustryNews editor, the last issueof the newsletterincorrectly identified therecipient of the “SolarPool Heating System ofthe Year.” The captionshould have read:Stilwell Solar Inc. forWindmill Village.

WINTER 1999

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i/4 PageSunEarth AD

i/4 Pagecompool

On September 10, 1998, HR4538 was introduced in theHouse of Representatives to

amend the Internal Revenue Code of1986. The bill’s goal was to provideincentives for reducing energyconsumption. The bill, if passed,would give a 15% tax credit for solarwater heating installed by December31, 2003 or photovoltaic propertyinstalled by December 31, 2005. Thebill was awaiting action in the HouseWays and Means Committee whenthe session adjourned.

Expected to be re-introducedthis session, the bill would define,solar energy property as equipmentwhich uses solar energy to generateelectricity, to heat or cool (or provide

HOUSE TO CONSIDER TAX ACT

FlaSEIA’s 1999legislativepriorities include

efforts to: (1) continuemonitoring the solar salestax exemption to ensurethat it is not targeted forrepeal; seek opportunitiesto remove the tax

hot water for use in) a structure, or toprovide solar process heat. Solar hotwater would be eligible for a 15%credit, up to a maximum of $1,000.Photovoltaic systems also wouldallow a 15% tax credit and have a$2,000 maximum.

In the White House 2000Budget Plan recently submitted toCongress, Clinton included a 15% taxcredit (up to $2,000) for purchases ofsolar equipment and a tax credit of upto $2,000 for purchasing energyefficient homes. This renewedinterest in providing financialincentives for energy efficiency hasstrong solar industry support;however, a fixed dollar rather thanpercentage credit is preferred.

exemption sunset date;(2) meet key statelegislators and set-up locallegislative networks formembers; designate a“Solar Day” for FlaSEIAmembers to meet theselegislators; (3) monitorutility deregulation,

looking for opportunitiesto advance solar energy;and (4) investigateopportunities for thecontinuing appropriationof PVE funds by meetingwith new DCA officialsand Energy Officepersonnel.

At the last minute,President Clintonsigned a $487

billion funding bill whichhas directed an additional$60 million for renewableenergy programs withinthe US Department ofEnergy. However, $42million of these fundscover uncosted balances(funds obligated but notyet spent down) leaving

DOE 1999 SOLAR ENERGY BUDGET

FY’99 FY’98 +/-FY98FY’99 FY’98 +/-FY98FY’99 FY’98 +/-FY98FY’99 FY’98 +/-FY98FY’99 FY’98 +/-FY98 (million $) (million $) (million $) (million $) (million $) (million $) (million $) (million $) (million $) (million $)

Photovoltaics:Photovoltaics:Photovoltaics:Photovoltaics:Photovoltaics: 66.8 66.8 66.8 66.8 66.8 68.3 68.3 68.3 68.3 68.3 -~2% -~2% -~2% -~2% -~2%Solar Thermal:Solar Thermal:Solar Thermal:Solar Thermal:Solar Thermal: 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 16.8 16.8 16.8 16.8 16.8 +~2% +~2% +~2% +~2% +~2%Solar Buildings: 2.9Solar Buildings: 2.9Solar Buildings: 2.9Solar Buildings: 2.9Solar Buildings: 2.9 2.7 2.7 2.7 2.7 2.7 +~7% +~7% +~7% +~7% +~7%

$18 million inunspecified funds forDOE’s renewable energyprograms. Use of the

unspecified funds will bedirected by AssistantSecretary Reicher.

9

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WINTER 1999

5

EXTRA:

CO

NT

EN

TS

VOLUME 19

NUMBER 1

FLASEREF

FLORIDA SOLAR ENERGY RESEARCH & EDUCATION FOUNDATION

WINTER 1999

8 SUNBUILT UPDATE:1999 PROGRAM UNDERWAYBY STEVEN K. GORMAN

SUNBUILT PROGRAM DIRECTOR

The Florida Energy Office,Florida Solar Energy Researchand Education Foundation,

California Solar Energy IndustriesAssociation and Arizona Solar EnergyIndustries Association have received a$75,000 cost-sharing grant from theNational Renewable Energy Lab toaddress removal of covenants,conditions and restrictions (CC&R’s)as barriers to installing solar thermalequipment and photovoltaics. In eachof these three states, the group willidentify target audiences and developstrategies for overcoming CC&R issues.

The CC&R Project will developand implement an educational campaignin each state, then evaluate theeffectiveness of their efforts. Becauseaudiences are likely to differ from stateto state, each state will develop materials

TRI-STATE GRANT TO EDUCATE ABOUT

COVENANTS, CONDITIONS & RESTRICTIONS

and deliver programs to their targetedaudiences. In spite of laws in all threestates that explicitly forbid barriers tosolar use, homeowner associationscontinue to challenge the rights ofhomeowners to install solar. To helpalleviate barriers to solar installation,this project will develop and implement“concerns-resolving” and “fear-reducing” solar educational programsaimed at homeowner associations,developers and home builders.

In addition, a $25,000 grantprovides for the evaluation of theSunBuiltTM solar water heating marketdevelopment program. This evaluationwill gauge the success of the programto-date and help identify ways to make itmore successful and expand it to otherstates.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

GIVES CUSTOMER ADVANTAGE is contagious,” saysMcCord. “I especiallylike easing clients throughthe maze of paperworkand decision-makingrequired for buying a newhome. Walking themthrough the process, step-by-step, gives me theopportunity to help themmake economically soundlong-term decisions. Ibelieve that helpingclients think long-range,

can assist them in makingtheir home morecomfortable, often larger,and definitely moreaffordable to live in.”

According toMcCord, getting the bestavailable mortgage ratesis the first step inresponsibly assisting hisclients.

(Please see McCord, page 7)

For more than adecade as aresidential

contractor, Jim McCord,Chief Executive Officerof American DreamBuilders, has chosen towork primarily withfirst-time home buyers.“Assisting clientswho’ve never beenthrough the processbefore is very rewarding,because their excitement

UPDATE:SUNBUILT

CARS LINING UP FOR THESTART OF SUNRAYCE 97 ATTHE INDIANAPOLIS MOTORSPEEDWAY.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

PAGE 6

KEY CHOICES FOR

HOMEBUYERS

PAGE 7

SUNBUILT

PROGRAM

UPDATE

PAGE 8

SUNRAYCE

PAGE 8

the 1999 program and builders. Severalprogram modifications were adopted byFlaSEREF for the 1999 program in aneffort to increase builder participation andconsumer awareness.

Home Builder Criteria: Eligible builders arerequired to be members of the FHBA andbuild at least 50 home per year. Inaddition to Parade Homes, this yearmodel homes in large scale subdivisions(minimum of 100 homes) are eligible. Aswith last year, builders participating inmore than one Parade of Homes may beconsidered for additional rebates. In allcases, the builder must agree to offer solarwater heating to customers as a standardfeature or upgrade. Marketing materialsare provided to the builder for potentialhome buyers visiting the SunBuilt home.Since consumer awareness of the benefitsof solar water heating is critical toprogram success, the builder must agreeto allow media coverage of the SunBuilthome.

Solar Vendor Criteria: The solar waterheater must be obtained from a FlaSEIAmember company (contractor, distributor,manufacturer). It must be installed by acertified contractor and the builder isresponsible for installation costs. Thevendor (or builder, if applicable) mustsubmit a completed application toFlaSEREF. The application will bereviewed for compliance with programcriteria, including FSEC system approval,system price and contractor certification.

Editor’s note: For additional informationabout the SunBuilt program, you maycontact Steve Gorman at (904) 384-6503.

solar panels. The team withthe lowest cumulative timeover the 10-day race wins theevent. Awards include cashprizes, trophies and scholasticachievement awards.

SUNRAYCE 99 is thefifth solar vehicle race stagedby the US Department ofEnergy, General Motors and

SUNRAYCE is a biennial, 10-day,long-distance solar car racefeaturing some 40 college and

university teams from across NorthAmerica who design, build and drivecars powered solely by electricity from

The second year of the SunBuiltprogram has begun, with theearly 1999 Parade of Homes

already in progress. FlaSEREF ispleased to report that new and repeathome builders are participating in theprogram. In cooperation withFlaSEREF, the Florida Home BuildersAssociation has provided the media withparticipating parades and details about

EDS. After launching the race near theUS Capitol, competitors will follow a1350-mile, 5-state route over highwaysand country roads, pausing forovernight stops along the way. InFlorida you can root for your favoriteteam as they pass through Tallahassee,Lake City, Ocala and Orlando. Forspecific race details, contact ChristyCarpenter at (415) 332-7270 or browsewww.sunrayce.com/sunrayce.

SUNRAYCE 99

AMERICAN DREAMBUILDER’ S FIRSTTIME

HOME BUYERS AVERAGE$100,000 HOMES

LIKE THE ONE SHOWNABOVE.

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LARRY AND MELISSAKEMICK RECEIVING GRANDAURORA AWARD AT1998 SEBC.

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WINTER 1999

6

HOMEBUYER:WINTER 1999

7

SPOTLIGHT:IN THE

CHOOSING ENERGY EFFICIENCY

GIVES CUSTOMER ADVANTAGE

“I’m always looking for waysto increase front and back-end mortgagerates,” says McCord. “Though Ihaven’t yet worked with any EnergyEfficient Mortgages (EEM’s), I’vefound that even conventional FHA-insured mortgages allow a 5% mortgagestretch for an energy efficient home. AnFHA-qualified home is entitled to alarger mortgage, because the reducedmonthly power bills make them moreaffordable to operate. Even a 5%mortgage stretch on a $100,000 home($5000 mortgage increase) can be prettysignificant for a first-time home buyer.This additional mortgage, offset byreduced utility bills, allows clients toincrease the size and/or add additionaloptions and to increase the resale valueof their home.”

“Because I believe inincorporating long-term affordability,I’ve always tried to build a tight homeand to include energy efficientappliances,” says McCord. Whenapproached about the SunBuilt

KEY CHOICES

MCCORD (continued from Page 5)

Program, I signed up the first day andasked for display materials for myDesign Center. Since the SunBuiltProgram’s goal is to increase efficiencyof homes and reduce power bills, signingup didn’t require much thought. And,including solar water heating changesthe FHA mortgage ratio, making iteasier to qualify homeowners for anadvantageous mortgage.”

Installing solar water heating isnothing new for McCord, who was anHVAC and solar contractor for 20 yearsbefore joining the building industry.Because of his background, he says hewas able to see firsthand the clientsavings and satisfaction from installingthis high-efficiency equipment.“Obviously, my background shows thatI’ve always been interested in energyefficiency. Reducing consumer costs andpollution were the driving force for me,”says McCord. “I simply think thatburning less fossil fuel-based power is awin-win situation for both my clients andfor the environment.”

If the builder next door offers apotential customer a widgetand these customers meet with

you as well, you’d better know allabout widgets if you’re going tocompete. It’s the same with energyefficiency. Even if customers don’tcare about the environment orpollution, they always care abouttheir wallet. If you show thecustomer that energy efficiency andsolar is a good choice, one that savesthem year after year, your sea ofcompetitors shrinks dramatically.

Energy EfficiencyEnergy EfficiencyEnergy EfficiencyEnergy EfficiencyEnergy EfficiencyAbout three years ago, Matt

Ross (Director of the Florida HouseEco-$mart Homes Program andSunBuilt Representative)approached me about promotingenergy efficiency in my homes. Ilistened to his proposal and realizedthat my homes were already prettyenergy efficient, and that to becomean Eco-$mart Builder, all I needed todo was increase the efficiency ofinstalled air conditioning systemsfrom a SEER of 10 to 12, includecompact fluorescent lighting wherepossible and install an attic radiantbarrier. I decided to give it a shot,since making a commitment toinclude these features only addedabout $2000 per house. I figuredthat it didn’t make sense thatconsumers wouldn’t want thesedevices, since these alternativeswould save them more every monththan the $2000 mortgage principal

BY LARRY KEMICK

KEMICK CONSTRUCTION

increase. The clients wouldn’t haveto wait 2 years, 10 years or longer torealize savings from thesealternatives. The savings wereimmediate.

What we found out was, thateven if customers don’t care aboutthe environment or pollution, it isimportant to them to reduce theirmonthly expenses. After workingout the numbers for myself, I alsorealized that not mentioning energyefficiency to my clients would be adisservice. Because, by not makingthe choice to include these features,the consumer will pay the utilitycompany rather than put the moneyin their own pocket. For mepersonally, talking to potential clientsabout energy efficiency not onlygives me the ability to do what Ithink is right, but it benefits mycustomers.

When most people build orbuy a house, they shop around tofind a 1/2 to full point discount ontheir mortgage - knowing thatthey’re locked into that rate for 30years. It’s the same with energyefficiency. When you choose not toown it, you’ve made a choice to paymore every month to the local utilitycompany. And, you pay that as longas you own your home. Unlike afixed percentage mortgage, however,you have no control over the cost forenergy. That decision is made byyour local energy provider.

(Please see Kemick, page 7)

As a result of our efforts in1998 and 1999, our parade homes wereawarded the “Most Energy EfficientHome” in the joint Sarasota/ManateeCounty Parade of Homes, and the 1998SEBC “Energy Efficiency Grand AuroraAward” for the most energy efficienthome in all of Florida Power & Light’sservice territory.

Introduction to SunBuiltIntroduction to SunBuiltIntroduction to SunBuiltIntroduction to SunBuiltIntroduction to SunBuiltWhen the SunBuilt Program

kicked-off last year, Ross againapproached us about ratcheting up ourenergy efficiency one more notch andbecoming a SunBuiltTM Builder.

KEMICK (continued from Page 6)Good system warranty, pricing andmaintenance history made it hard toresist installing a solar water heater onour Parade Home. We also werecurious to find out if there was a marketfor solar. Since I thought we hadnothing to lose (as a chosen SunBuiltbuilder the solar equipment was free),we decided to install the system. Wegot positive consumer feedback andnow include solar in our upgradeoptions list. Today, about 75% of ourcustomers choose solar. Of the 25%who don’t initially choose it, manycome back for a retrofit system.