Harnessing Our Most Abundant Natural Resource

Lee County, partnering with the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council (SWFRPC), on behalf of the Counties and Cities within its six county service area has submitted an application for funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act: Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants:  Competitive Solicitation: Retrofit Ramp-up and General Innovation Fund Programs.  The Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council serves Regional District 9 and is comprised of Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee, and Sarasota Counties as well as the incorporated cities and towns within these counties.

Grant funds are being sought for the Southwest Florida Solar Energy Retrofit Initiative. The purpose of the initiative is to take advantage of solar energy for the region’s water heating needs.  The initiative will involve local governmental agencies as well as private sector manufacturing, installation, and financing.   The primary purpose of the program is to retrofit large numbers of homes with solar hot water heaters, however some commercial buildings may be eligible.

Installation of solar water heaters results in significant savings on utility bills, however the relatively high initial cost is a barrier to installation of these systems.  This program, if grant proceeds are received, would result in the cost being repaid at an amount that would result in no increase in monthly cost to property owners when the utility savings are factored in.  Once system costs are repaid, the property owner would continue to enjoy the reduced utility costs.

At this point, SWFRPC is seeking vendors that might be interested in participating in the Solar Retrofit Initiative if the grant is received.  Vendors are needed to manufacture and/or supply equipment, to install and maintain the equipment, and to provide financing.  Vendors with other skills that could be applicable to the project are also encouraged to come forward.  Vendors interested in participating in the program are requested to complete a questionnaire by clicking on the “Interested Vendors” link to the left.  The questionnaire will gather contact information and areas of interest for potential vendors.  It is anticipated, but not certain, that qualification criteria for vendors will be established if the grant is obtained, and all qualified vendors will be able to participate in the program.

SWFRPC is also seeking homeowners and other property owners that would be potentially interested in obtaining a solar hot water system under this type of program.  Interested persons are requested to complete a very brief questionnaire by clicking on “Interested Property Owners” link to the left.

Vendors and property owners may send a letter to the SWFRPC, c/o Wilbur Smith Associates, 1532 Jackson Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901 to indicate interest in the program.