Solar Energy

In the city's Sustainability Plan, included in the list of twenty first steps to a sustainable community is to evaluate a public/private solar roof initiative (18, p. 4). The plan includes goals and strategies for change including making Palm Springs a net zero importer of energy through supporting development of local and regional renewable electric power generation including onsite solar (p. 6). The plan mentions how the city has advanced on the path to sustainability by adopting the Mayor's Climate Change Resolution and by establishing a goal to reduce energy use by 20%. Some important action steps include adding solar powered waste compactors downtown (p. 14). The plan talks about how Palm Springs is well-positioned to share in the growth of CA's green innovation economy. It talks about how its location, climate, and topography make it an ideal production center for renewable energy, specifically solar and wind power (p. 18). The plan talks about steps accomplished or already underway including the placement of solar panels on bus stops (p. 25). General plan guidance goals and policies include enforcing solar energy development regulations (p. 30). The plan addresses opportunities for substituting renewable resources for nonrenewable resources. These opportunities include passive solar regulation, installed solar water heaters, installed solar power generation, and advanced storage systems to address the intermittent supply of solar and wind power (pp. 33-34). The plan discusses the opportunity the city has to pursue a longer-term energy strategy and how these efforts will reduce costs and anv impacts and increase grid security. One way to do this is through integrating solar energy into existing housing stock through retrofits and renovation (p. 34). The Plan includes an objective to reduce local government and per capita energy consumption through strategies such as exploring and evaluating the potential energy savings from installation of solar hot water systems (p. 35). Another objective is to support development of local and regional renewable electric power generation including onsite solar. Strategies include implementing a public/private solar roof initiative, reducing barriers to residential and commercial solar installations, adopting a solar incentive and rebate program, holding demonstration workshops to enhance staff understanding and familiarity with renewable energy technology and installation procedures, and exploring and evaluating the potential for a pilot district energy system (p. 35).