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Solar Sebastopol (Updated Case Study)
At the behest of the Sebastopol City Council, Sonoma State University completed a study in May 2002 to determine the feasibility of large-scale solar deployment in Sebastopol. The Solar Sebastopol Feasibility Study identified the potential for 1,000 - 1,500 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, Sebastopol's City Manager, Dave Brennan, has instituted the Solar Sebastopol program - an initiative that could install up to one megawatt (MW) of PV systems in the community. The program will include targeted outreach to schools, multi-family housing complexes, single-family homeowners, and large commercial users. The city conducted a survey to determine interest in the program. The survey presented 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 electrical consumer makes no financial contributions, but City owns the PV system until it pays for itself (approximately 10 years). After that, the homeowner owns the system and enjoys decreased utility bills. Cooperative Community Energy - a Marin County based renewable energy cooperative - was recently hired by the city to implement the Solar Sebastopol program. CCEnergy will promote, implement, and administer the program by conducting ongoing outreach and education activities, arranging multiple financing options, cultivating a network of qualified local solar designers and installer/contractors, and facilitating bulk purchasing of solar equipment at discount prices. Additional financing assistance will be provided through the Renewable Energy Development Institute. For more information, visit http://www.cooperativecommunityenergy.com/. |
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