source: Alison Pernell Local Govt. Commission Currents Nov/Dec 2002

Cities and counties throughout the state are demonstrating a commitment to clean,
renewable energy generation. Dozens are designing, or have already installed,
photovoltaic systems on municipal facilities. Local governments can support
renewable on-site electricity generation in another way: by launching a city- or
county-sponsored PV program for residents and business-owners. Two California
cities pursuing this strategy for deployment of renewable energy technologies include
Arcata and Sebastapol.

Arcata

In an effort to support energy efficiency and conservation, the Humboldt Energy Task
Force is encouraging Humboldt County residents to go solar. The Task Force is a
multi-jurisdictional entity comprised of the cities of Arcata, Blue Lake, Eureka and Rio
Bell, Humboldt County and Humboldt Bay Water Conservation District. To help
residents and businesses determine the costs and benefits of a grid-tied solar
system, the Task Force contracted with the Renewable Energy Development Institute
to develop a solar guidebook. The step-by-step guide helps potential solar energy
owners size a system to meet their needs and to perform a simple economic analysis
of the system.

Kathy Jack, Energy Program Specialist for the City of Arcata, says that the guidebook is
the first of three steps toward implementing a citywide PV program. Step one includes
education and outreach to residential and commercial electrical consumers. The
second step involves working with local lenders to identify financing for renewable
energy systems. The blossoming PV program also aims to eventually generate a
portion of the electricity needed to power city facilities as its third step.

To learn more about the solar program, call Kathy Jack at (707) 822-8184. For a copy
of the guidebook visit http://www.arcatacityhall.org/energy/energyprogram.html.

Solar Sebastapol

At the behest of the Sebastapol City Council, Sonoma State University completed a
study in May 2002 to determine the feasibility of large-scale solar deployment in
Sebastapol.

The Solar Sebastapol Feasibility Study identified the potential for 1,000 to1,500 kW of
solar generation capacity on residential and commercial rooftops. It concluded that city
government plays an important role in facilitating investment in photovoltaic electricity
by reducing the financing and transaction costs for residents and businesses.

Following the study’s recommendations, Sebastapol’s city manager, Dave Brennan,
instituted the Solar Sebastapol program -an initiative that could install up to 1,000 kW
of PV systems in the community. The program will include targeted outreach to
schools, multifamily housing complexes, single-family homeowners, and large
commercial users. Funding for the program and for equipment procurement will likely
be provided by issuing a solar bond -similar to the one San Francisco passed in
November 2001.

The City is currently conducting a survey to determine interest in the program. The
survey presents two options for city-sponsored PV installation.

Under the first scenario, the consumer provides a portion of the total system cost,
including installation. The City assists the consumer with the procurement process
and with low-interest financing. The PV system belongs to the homeowner, who enjoys
decreased utility bills.

Under the second scenario, the consumer makes no financial contributions, but the
City owns the PV system until it pays for itself (in about 10 years). After that, the
homeowner owns the system and enjoys decreased utility bills.

A recently hired Solar Sebastapol project manager will organize a public outreach and
education campaign and will implement the initiative. For more information, call City
Manger Dave Brennan at (707) 823-1153. Copies of the Solar Sebastapol Feasibility
Study, are available through the Local Government Commission at (916) 448-1198
x324 or apernell@lgc.org.