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Tucson, AZ
October 8, 2009: Tucson receives Recovery Act funding for Solar America Cities Special Projects.
The Tucson Solar Initiative seeks to institutionalize the value of nine years of solar energy development experience, secure the promise of renewable energy investment funds, facilitate a significant volume of solar installations in the community and establish a mechanism for sustainable solar integration for the future.
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Steve Palmeri of DOE presents Mayor Walkup with a Solar America City sign, while then Governor Napolitano cheers in the background.
Credit:solarinstitute.org
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Activities
Tucson will focus on expanding its solar energy market through accelerated investments. The city will work to overcome the market barriers of high up front cost and low levels of awareness, and will create new opportunities for solar installations.
- Developing and implementing a city of Tucson Solar Energy Integration Plan, as well as a Greater Tucson Solar Energy Development Plan.
- Identifying and enhancing financing techniques for large-scale solar energy installations.
- Developing and disseminating solar best practices and other outreach to stakeholders in the region.
Partners
- Arizona State Department of Commerce Energy Office
- The City of Tucson (Project Lead)
- Greater Tucson Coalition for Solar Energy
- Tucson Electric Power
- Tucson-Pima Metropolitan Energy Commission
Creative Financing for Municipal Solar InstallationsThe City will explore innovative financing mechanisms for solar systems on city facilities, including Buy America Bonds, New Market Tax Credits, and partnership flipping.
Solar One Stop ShopThe City will partner with Pima County to establish and maintain a central location that provides information and referral services for consumers, businesses, and the solar industry, including training opportunities and permitting assistance.
Solar Integration into Green Building Codes and Infrastructure PlanningThe City will coordinate with planning and permitting staff to integrate solar and solar-ready requirements into green building certification processes and long range city infrastructure planning.
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