Monitoring of Renewable Projects

Target audience(s):            Residential, Government, and Commercial

This activity will provide a mechanism for renewable energy projects that are completed but need to be monitored for energy savings data for use in VIEO efforts to increase market acceptance of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies, practices, and products.  The projects to be monitored and promoted as successes are the photovoltaic residential and solar water heating and pumping systems of the Innovative Renewable Energy Grant Program, solar lighting in public places demonstrations, and demonstrations located at historic sites.  The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) will conduct compliance tests in the first quarter to ensure systems were installed according to specifications.  Additionally, the “SunPower” demonstration site will be relocated where monitoring activities of the site will continue.   Also under this activity, the VIEO will provide matching funds to support special project funds received to conduct wind resource assessment, evaluate utility-side wind power generation and research barriers to grid interconnected wind turbine systems and net metering.

Wind Energy Promotion

Target audience(s):            Residents, Small Commercial

The VIEO will conduct workshops on Wind Technology for residents who have expressed a strong interest in utilizing those forms of renewable energy.  The VIEO will install small wind turbines in areas with best wind resources as indicated from the completed Wind Energy Case Study.  Information received at VIEO town meetings indicated an interest to educate the general public on available technologies to harness wind energy.  The VIEO will conduct a feasibility study on a GIS Mapping System for the island of St. Croix. For more information contact Don Buchanan.

Discretionary Grant Program - Lighting Project

Target audience(s):            Government and Public Facilities

The EERE Lighting component of the Discretionary Grant Program (DGP) seeks to provide EERE lighting at government and not-for-profit organizations’ owned buildings, parks, and outdoor public places throughout the Territory.  Project criteria will now include: 1. No existing lighting or limited lighting; 2. Address nighttime security in view of increased crime; 3. Enhancement of an area; and 4. Provide lighting for nighttime recreational/social activities.  Previously selected EERE lighting projects will also be monitored and funded under this activity. 

Miscellaneous Solarization Project – DPNR, Central Fish Market, SEA Non-Profit Organization

Target audience(s):            Government Agency: DPNR and Central Fish Market; SEA Non-Profit Organization

The VIEO intends to provide photovoltaic (pv) back-up power on Department of Planning and Natural Resources buildings on St. Croix, the Central Fish Market, Department of Agriculture, the St. Croix Environmental Association (SEA) wetlands coastal reserve, as an alternative to diesel powered generators.  The VIEO already has over 30kW of pv array and will purchase balance of systems components and pay for installation.  This activity will represent a pv distributed generation demonstration project for other agencies wishing to offset their electricity debt to the utility by using a sound and environmentally friendly technology. For more information contact Bevan Smith.