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You are here: Home arrow Resources arrow Resources for Cities arrow Best Practices for "Solar Friendly" Cities
Best Practices from "Solar Friendly" Cities PDF Print E-mail
Many cities in the Bay Area are taking specific measures to be 'solar friendly.' This article describes some of the programs and practices that are making the Bay Area the most PV-saturated region in the USA. [more]

Solar Sebastopol

Solar Sebastopol is a local first-of-its-kind program to encourage more solar energy on residential, business, and public properties in Sebastopol, Sonoma County, CA. Our goal is to install 1 megawatt of solar power production in the City of Sebastopol. That’s equivalent to solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on about 500 average-size homes.

City of San Francisco

The San Francisco Solar Map was developed by the San Francisco Department of the Environment and CH2M HILL to promote greater public awareness about solar potential in San Francisco and to facilitate greater solar usage among commercial and residential building owners.

City of Pleasanton

The City of Pleasanton adopted a comprehensive Energy Plan in 2002. "The purpose of this plan is to guide the City toward a sustainable energy future without increasing adverse impacts to the community. Primary provisions of this plan include educating the public about energy saving techniques and programs; promoting and developing energy conservation strategies and programs; installing environmentally benign, renewable energy facilities; participating in alliances with businesses and other agencies; developing other policies, programs, and ordinances that are compatible with this plan; and reviewing local control and public-power opportunities." [Read more]

 

City of Berkeley 

Last November, 81% of Berkeley residents voted for Measure G. The Measure targets an 80% reduction in Berkeley's greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and directs the city to develop an emissions reduction action plan in partnership with the community. Learn more about the Climate Action Plan.

 

 

 

Solar Permit Fees 

One way Cities can support installation of solar is to lower or remove the permit fees charged to install a system. Check out the Sierra Club's Permit Fee Study to see who charges what in the Bay Area.

 
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2008 SERG

Get your copy of the 2008 Solar Energy Resource Guide (the SERG) by clicking here or on the "Store" link above.