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BACKGROUND <br />The City Council's work plan includes the goal of developing a "Photovoltaic (PV) <br />Project" which is described as "pursue a public or private partnership for a photovoltaic <br />project". At their October 17, 2006 meeting, Council directed staff to implement a <br />comprehensive assistance program targeting increased use of solar energy in the <br />community that is similar in breadth to the Solar Sebastopol program. At this meeting, <br />Council requested that staff increase community awareness and develop a marketing <br />campaign focused on disseminating solar energy information to the Pleasanton <br />community. In addition, staff was asked to investigate the possibility of partnering with <br />other Tri-Valley cities in this endeavor and to implement a program that would not <br />require additional staffing. <br />The City Council subsequently approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the <br />City of Pleasanton and the City of Livermore for the development of a joint solar energy <br />program. As a result of a request for qualifications (RFQ) process, Spectrum Energy <br />Inc. (SEI) was selected by Livermore and Pleasanton staff to focus on the following <br />three areas: <br />1. Data gathering involving the community, city staff, business leaders and <br />professionals, solar industry representatives and other key stakeholders, <br />2. Analysis of data and feedback for incorporation in a photovoltaic (PV) program <br />tailored for each city specifically, and <br />3. Presentation of a detailed implementation plan including budget and other <br />requirements. <br />SEI, with staff input, developed a preliminary solar energy program which was <br />presented on May 3, 2007 at two stakeholders' meetings attended by residents, as well <br />as business and industry representatives. A total of 26 individuals who participated in <br />the meetings were supportive of the program. Easy access to information and <br />resources was seen as the key component to the assist the decision making process <br />towards purchase of a photovoltaic system. <br />The attached report from the consultant outlines the solar program for five core market <br />segments: <br />a. Existing residential retrofit, <br />b. New residential developments, <br />c. Existing commercial, <br />d. New commercial and <br />e. City owned facilities <br />Staff from both cities determined that it would be prudent to initially focus on the <br />residential sector since it would derive the greatest benefit from a solar program. The <br />majority of general inquiries received by both Pleasanton and Livermore staff are from <br />the residents, evidence that assistance is desired and needed by this segment of the <br />community. Depending on available funds and program effectiveness, the program <br />may be expanded to include new homes, existing commercial and new commercial <br />segments at a later time. <br />Page 2 of 6 <br />