Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Florida Solar Energy Center Conducts Research and Development; Legislature Could Direct Fee Increases and Drop Certification Requirement

Report 09-17, March 2009




Report Summary

  • The Florida Solar Energy Center is a research institute of the University of Central Florida that conducts research on solar and other alternative energy technologies; provides continuing education programs for teachers, students, and industry; and certifies the performance of solar energy systems manufactured or sold in the state. The center also certifies solar energy systems for manufacturers throughout the nation through a contract with the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation, a private nonprofit industry organization funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and the industry to develop national standards for solar thermal systems.
  • The center has a two-year backlog in testing and certifying solar systems, which adversely affects both manufacturers and citizens. The center's current testing and certification fees also recover only 30% of its costs, thus requiring a state subsidy of $256,255. The Legislature could direct the center to charge sufficient fees to eliminate the backlog and state subsidy; alternatively, the Legislature could eliminate the state certification requirement.


Related Reports
  1. The Florida Solar Energy Center Eliminated the Backlog for Testing and Certification and Reduced its Reliance on State Funds
    Report 11-19 September 2011
  2. Increased Accountability and Oversight of University Centers and Institutes Is Needed
    Report 10-41 May 2010
  3. Supplemental Report: Profiles of Selected University Centers and Institutes
    Report 07-36 August 2007
  4. University Centers and Institutes Report Many Benefits; the Oversight Process Needs to Be Strengthened
    Report 07-35 August 2007
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
energy, solar, renewable, certification, commercialization, patent,testing,