DOE Begins Search for 2008 Solar America Cities
Washington, DC, 01 Nov.r 2007
Source: RenewableEnergyAccess.com
http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=50459
Large cities with high electricity demand can now apply to be a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) 2008 Solar City. Yesterday the DOE announced that the 2008 Solar America Cities program will fund up to twelve cities that demonstrate their commitment to building a sustainable solar infrastructure.
Subject to final terms, the DOE will provide up to $2.4 million in financial assistance to the competitively selected, cost-shared, two-year projects. Additionally, it will provide up to $3.0 million over two years in hands-on technical assistance from technical and policy experts to help cities integrate solar technologies into city energy planning, zoning, and facilities; to streamline city-level regulations and practices that affect solar adoption by residents and local businesses; and to promote solar technology through outreach, curriculum development, and incentive programs.
Including cost share, the value of the awards is expected to be up top $7.8 million. The efforts of the Solar America Cities should improve the ability of citizens and businesses to adopt solar technology locally and provide a model that other cities across the country can follow.
Awards will be made competitively and are subject to both evaluations by the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, as well as to congressional appropriations. In addition, the DOE announced the selection of two Solar America Showcases—large-scale, replicable installations of solar technology that the DOE will support with technical assistance.
DOE will assist the Northeast Denver Housing Center in overcoming barriers to the installation of solar photovoltaics on 80 permanently affordable housing units. Additionally, Montclair State University will receive technical assistance in support of the 280 kW “solar farm” at its New Jersey School of Conservation.
For additional information on applying to become a 2008 Solar America City or a Solar America Showcase click here.
The 2007 Solar America Cities are: Ann Arbor, MI; Austin, TX; Berkeley, CA; Boston, MA; Madison, WI; New Orleans, LA; New York, NY; Pittsburgh, PA; Portland, OR; Salt Lake City, UT; San Diego, CA; San Francisco, CA; and Tucson, AZ.