SolarSink, LLC, one of FCLF's New Market Tax Credit (NMTC) projects, was recently featured in Florida Trend's Economic Yearbook for 2012. SolarSink will produce solar energy utilizing innovating technology developed in conjunction with Florida State University. The technology allows solar energy to be efficiently converted to electricity, and power produced will be used in the manufacturing facility, other local businesses, and sold to the municipality's power grid. The "solar sausages" (as pictured) will be produced in the United States, as opposed to China, where about 80% of solar panels are manufactured. These systems are estimated to be 50% less costly than conventional solar systems.

Here is an excerpt from the Florida Trend article, or read the entire article here.

2012 Economic Yearbook Economic Indicators for Florida's Big Bend region

by Lilly Rockwell   Published 4/24/2012 in Florida Trend

FSU looks to spin off businesses from its research. Elsewhere in the region, energy companies and gambling facilities are creating jobs.

Tallahassee / Leon County
Leon County aims to emerge from the recession by leveraging the area's strength in higher education to recruit businesses and launch startups, says Beth Kirkland, executive director of the Economic Development Council for Tallahassee/Leon County.

Florida State University has made strides in converting its research into startups, spawning two companies, SunnyLand Solar and SolarSink, from FSU-developed solar technology. A $15,000 FSU commercialization grant and federal and state funds helped get the businesses off the ground. Both companies are expected to create about 35 jobs in Tallahassee, according to the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce.