DOE to Provide up to $2.4M to Advance Solar Energy in 12 U.S. Cities

April 3, 2008 // Published as a news service by IHS

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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will provide up to $2.4 million to 12 Solar America Cities chosen for their commitment and comprehensive approach to the deployment of solar technologies and the development of sustainable solar infrastructures.

These projects further the U.S. federal government's Solar America Initiative, which aims to make electricity from solar photovoltaics cost-competitive with conventional electricity by 2015.

Combined with industry cost share and funding from each city, total investment in all 12 cities is estimated at $12.1 million; each city will receive $200,000 from DOE to integrate a variety of solar energy technologies throughout the city

The 2008 Solar America Cities are:

• Denver, Colo.
• Houston, Texas.
• Knoxville, Tenn.
• Milwaukee, Wis.
• Minneapolis & St. Paul, Minn.
• Orlando, Fla.
• Philadelphia, Pa.
• Sacramento, Calif.
• San Antonio, Texas
• San Jose, Calif.
• Santa Rosa, Calif.
• Seattle, Wash.

In addition to investing a total of up to $2.4 million (Fiscal Year 2008), DOE will also provide hands-on assistance from technical experts to help cities integrate solar technologies into energy planning, zoning and facilities; streamline local regulations and practices that affect solar adoption by residents and businesses; present solar financing options; and promote solar technology among residents and local businesses through outreach, curriculum development and incentive programs.

Technical assistance is estimated at $3 million (Fiscal Years 2008-2009), subject to appropriations from Congress.

According to DOE, cities selected are geographically diverse and have varying degrees of solar resources and experience with solar technologies. Each city will adopt a variety of approaches to building up their solar infrastructure and deploying cutting-edge technologies, which include solar water heating, photovoltaics - a technology which turns sunlight into electricity and concentrating solar power - and large-scale solar thermal technology.

The development of solar energy technology is integral to the U.S. federal government's Advanced Energy Initiative, which seeks to change the way the U.S. powers its homes, offices and vehicles by increasing the use of clean, renewable technologies.

These awards build upon the $5.4 million in financial and technical assistance awarded to the thirteen Solar America Cities selected in 2007, including: Ann Arbor, Mich.; Austin, Texas; Berkeley, Calif.; Boston, Mass.; Madison, Wis.; New Orleans, La.; New York City, N.Y.; Pittsburgh, Pa.; Portland, Ore.; Salt Lake City, Utah; San Diego, Calif.; San Francisco, Calif.; and Tucson, Ariz., bringing the total number of Solar America Cities to 25.

"These Solar America Cities aim to jumpstart integration of solar power and encourage other cities across the nation to follow suit," said DOE Secretary Samuel W. Bodman. "With the President's leadership, the Energy Department is working aggressively to make clean, abundant and affordable solar energy the norm, and no longer an 'alternative' source of energy. The innovative programs already underway in each city will help us raise the bar of what's possible, and will help cities and towns across America harness the tremendous potential of the sun."

Source: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).