LT. GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES $100,000 IN GRANTS FOR BUILDERS MARKETING SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2006

Columbus, OH -- Lt. Governor Bruce Johnson today announced the Ohio Department of Development will award $100,000 in grants funded through the Energy Loan Fund (ELF) for the installation of solar energy systems on model homes and newly built homes in the same development.

“These grants help promote awareness of advanced energy technologies for new home buyers and encourage builders to develop energy options including efficiency and solar technologies,” said Johnson, who also serves as director of the Ohio Department of Development.

The Ohio Department of Development is soliciting proposals from licensed builders and developers to build solar demonstration model homes, to market solar homes and to encourage their homebuyers who choose eligible solar options to also apply for incentives. Projects must be in the service areas of AEP, Cinergy, Dayton Power and Light and First Energy to be eligible, as the Energy Loan Fund is provided through a small rider on their electric bills.

Solar energy in Ohio can be harvested by using photovoltaic panels to produce electricity and by using solar thermal collectors to generate hot water. Once installed, the solar energy systems reduce the homeowners’ demand for purchased electricity or gas and can reduce home energy costs.

The selection is competitive and not all applications will be funded. The Request for Proposals, Application Forms, and a Sample Grant Agreement can be found online at http://www.odod.state.oh.us/cdd/oee/elfgrant.htm. Proposals are due by March 24 with the awards being announced April 24.