Solar Energy

The city's Climate Action Plan sets a goal of reducing municipal energy use (CL-1.2), with an associated action of installing solar PV systems on municipal buildings (Action B) and a target of 100% of municipal energy use from renewable source by 2035 (Performance Indicator ii).

The plan also establishes a measure of reducing energy use through a comprehensive residential renewable energy program that provides incentives and assistance for renewable energy system installation (E-1.2). The plan notes that the city will develop a solar energy system information center as part of its Green Building Resource Center and will create an educational display (E-2.1.C).

Another measure is to facilitate installation of solar hot water heating systems on commercial and multifamily buildings by promoting and facilitating installations through outreach programs and permit streamlining; the target is 75% of commercial and multifamily buildings with solar hot water heaters by 2035 (E-3.3).

Another measure is to facilitate the installation of solar PV on multifamily, commercial, and industrial buildings as well as parking lots by minimizing regulatory and structural barriers, providing outreach and assistance; the target is 12% of citywide roof area with PV panels by 2035 (E-3.4).

The plan also describes existing state and local public and private solar incentive programs (p. 4-3) and provides estimates of the emissions savings through these measures (App. B).