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THE CITY OF -~ ~ CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT PL~E~S~4NTONo February 5, 2008 Administrative Services TITLE: ACCEPT REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION OF A SOLAR CITIES PROGRAM TO PROMOTE THE INSTALLATION OF RESIDENTIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS AND AUTHORIZE DEVELOPMENT OF GRAPHIC DESIGN AND OUTREACH MATERIAL SUMMARY One of the City Council's priorities is the implementation of a "Photovoltaic Project". A Memorandum of Understanding was executed between the City of Pleasanton and the City of Livermore to pursue a Solar Cities Program. Spectrum Energy, Inc. was selected as the consultant to assist staff in this endeavor. A preliminary program design was shared with representatives from the community, businesses and the industry and received support. Phase I of the program designed to assist the residential sector and include the following key components: training of City inspection staff, encouraging installation contractors to submit standard solar panel plans to streamline the permit/inspection process, development of outreach material to introduce the program to the community, hosting of informational workshops for interested residents, development of a list of qualified solar panel contractors and on-going evaluation of the program. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the City Council accept report on the implementation of a Solar Cities Program, developed jointly by the Cities of Pleasanton and Livermore, to promote the installation of residential photovoltaic systems and authorize the development of graphic design and outreach material for the program. FINANCIAL STATEMENT The anticipated cost for the remainder of the fiscal year is $2500 per City for the development of branding material and outreach efforts. There are sufficient funds in the City's operating budget to cover this expense.