We've Gone Green!

We are delighted that we are now leading the way in renewable energy on Anna Maria Island, having completed in early July, the most extensive installation of Photovoltaic solar panels for electricity generation and hot water heaters on our luxury rentals, ever seen on the island.

Photovoltaic (PV) uses sunlight to generate electricity. Solar PV cells can be arranged in panels on a buildings roof or walls and feed electricity into the building directly. Hot water generators use simpler technology - 'black boxes' which sit on the roof and absorb the heat of the sun. This hot water feeds the domestic hot water tank, where it can be heated further if reuqired.

Four of our homes - Plumfish, Limefish, Honeyfish and Berryfish have received this treatment. These photo's show the work at Limefish, Honeyfish and Plumfish:

Solar Technical Experts, Tom Stockebrand led contractors Solar Direct and Harrimans Inc. After an initial analysis, they determined how much technology would be needed by looking at the roof orientation, the amount of roof, and the size and building style of each house.

The average cost for each house was $6/watt of PV installed, which translated into $12,000 for a small home (before rebate) and $30,000 for a larger home. The current Florida State subsidy rebates 60% of these costs within the next 18 months (i.e. net costs of $4,800 and $12,000 respectively). The homes then benefit from generating 'free' power from selling electricity back to Florida Power and Light (FPL) for the same price as we would have bought it (11c/KWh). If the solar is not enough, FPL will continue to provide power to the house in the normal way.

The great thing about solar power is that the cost benefits are immediate. Including rebates from the State of up to 60%, having a much lower electricity bill and the potential of selling what your home generates is very appealing. When looking to install photovoltaic panels, it is important to ensure that the amount you install is consistent with the needs of the house. You must also take into consideration other energy saving devices in the home, such as CLF and LED lights, careful temperature control, solar hot water and double glazing. All these have an inpact on the energy required.

We are passionate about energy efficiency in our homes. When we use the air-conditioning for example, the very thing that causes the house to use energy - the heat of the sun - can now generate the electricity to cover these costs. We also believe that as early adopters of this technology, we are helping to finance the research and development and creating the demand for more competitive USA manufacturing - essential in solving the climate problems we are facing.

You will find in each of our homes, information packs and a prominantely displayed electricity meter (running backwards!) showing the savings each house is making. We will also soon be launching on this site, details of the electricity savings in watts and $, and at the end of each year, the numbers will be calculated and shown as a payback against the original investment. So, please come back and see how it's going!

If you are reviewing energy efficiency in your home and would like more information or advice on what to do. Or if you are just interested in learning more about this project and our other green initiatives, including the Anna Maria Historic Green Village, please email us using this link.