SR 06:074 - Laserfiche WebLink

of solar energy by allocating $2.9 billion over lO-year period. The total amount a property owner may receive varies and is based on system size and type of technology used. (For more information see attached press release from the California Public Utilities Commission attached as Exhibit C.) In addition, a number of California cities have either already taken steps to encourage or support solar energy in their communities or are planning to do so; some examples follow: >- Sebastopol developed and launched a program (Solar Sebastopol) to help residents and business-owners purchase and install photovoltaic (PV) equipment with the goal of generating 1 megawatt of power (equivalent to PV systems installed on 500 average sized homes) within city limits by the end of 2005. As of December 1, 2005, Sebastopol had added 291.2 kilowatts of solar power (about 25 % of their goal); the program has been extended through 2006. Their effort has included a public outreach and education campaign, securing services of system installers, the design and creation of a municipal funding program for financing non-rebate expenses of solar power systems, management of contract and financial services, monitoring implementation progress and reporting results. >- San Francisco has also initiated large scale installation of solar panels under the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. >- Livermore has issued a Request for Qualifications from consulting firms to design a program similar to Sebastopol's that will walk residents and business owners through every step of the process of installing solar panels including taking advantage of the State and Federal rebate programs. A copy of the RFQ is attached as Exhibit D. Some cities are looking at solar energy strategies from an economic development perspective as well. Solar energy policies and programs can help attract "clean technology" companies or firms with business interests related to alternative energy. OPTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION As a way to gather information, staff held a brainstorming meeting on December 9,2005, that included staff and interested community members intended to generate ways that the City might support adoption of solar energy. Five options were identified and each is listed below with additional information as appropriate including how the option might be implemented in Pleasanton and possible advantages and disadvantages of each. SR 06:074