Public Building Solar Initiative

May 02, 2005

Summary

The South Carolina Energy Office created the Public Building Solar Initiative to demonstrate solar water heating technical and economic efficiency in public facilities. State agencies, colleges and universities, public school districts, local governments and non-profit organizations are eligible. Projects must demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of solar water heating in one of the following types of facilities:

• Publicly-owned residence;
• Facility with kitchen hot water needs;
• Facility with shower and bath hot water needs;
• Facility with laundry hot water needs; and
• Facility with swimming pool needs.

A minimum of $80,000 has been allocated for this program. Grants will be awarded for 75% of the cost of designing and installing a solar water heating system, and for purchasing a 5-year service contract. The maximum grant award is $25,000. Applicants must document a projected energy cost savings payback of eight years or less. Grant applications will be considered for funding on the basis of the quality of documentation supporting the grant application, project viability, technical merit, projected payback from cost savings and timeliness of projected project completion. South Carolina Energy Office staff will provide consultation to familiarize grantees with grant procedures and to address any questions or concerns the grantees may have about the process. The Energy Office also will provide information regarding solar dealers and installers operating in South Carolina. Application forms and instructions are available at the program web site. Grantees will receive notification of awards by close of business February 15, 2005. The following grants were awarded in April 2004:

• The University of South Carolina, Aiken received the maximum grant award of $25,000 for installation of an indoor swimming pool at USC-Aiken Natatorium, and provided $14,525 in cost share.
• The Citadel received the maximum grant award of $25,000 for installation of a solar water heating system on Dunnemann Apartments, and provided $10,000 in cost share.