Through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar America Cities partnership, a select group of U.S. cities is working to accelerate the adoption of solar energy technologies for a cleaner, more secure energy future. These Solar America City partnerships include the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and its national laboratories, 25 cities across the United States, and a variety of municipal, county, and state agencies, universities, solar companies, utilities, developers, and non-profit organizations. These partners have made a commitment to power their municipalities with clean, safe, reliable energy—solar energy.

Cities across the country are realizing the benefits of solar energy:

• Power from secure, domestic energy
• Sustainable, "green" urban development
• Support in meeting greenhouse gas reduction targets and climate change goals
• Development of new economic opportunities.

The city solar partnerships have committed to developing a sustainable solar infrastructure that removes barriers and encourages the adoption of solar energy by their residents and businesses, and increases the number of solar installations within the municipalities. These cities are taking a comprehensive, city-wide approach that lays the foundation for a viable solar market and provides a model for other cities to follow.

DOE Provides up to $2.4 Million to Advance Solar Energy in 12 U.S. Cities

On March 28, 2008, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that it will make available up to $2.4 million to 12 U.S. cities to advance solar energy. Secretary Samuel W. Bodman announced the 2008 Solar America Cities today while delivering keynote remarks at the New Frontiers in Energy Summit 2008 in Denver, CO.

Solar America Cities are chosen for their commitment and comprehensive approach to overcoming barriers to and developing infrastructure that supports increased deployment of solar technologies in their municipalities. The cities’ solar projects further President Bush’s Solar America Initiative (SAI), which aims to make solar electricity from photovoltaics cost-competitive with conventional forms of electricity from the utility grid by 2015.

In addition to funding, DOE provides hands-on assistance from technical experts to help Solar America Cities integrate solar technologies into city facilities and energy planning. Experts are available to assist Solar America Cities in streamlining local regulations and practices (e.g., zoning and building codes) that affect the adoption of solar technologies by residents and businesses. They can also help the cities develop solar financing options and incentive programs as well promote solar technology among residents and local businesses through outreach and curriculum development.

Cities designated as 2008 Solar America Cities will each receive up to $200,000 from DOE to help support their solar efforts. The 2008 Solar America Cities are:

Denver, CO
Houston, TX
Knoxville, TN
Milwaukee, WI
Minneapolis – St. Paul, MN
Orlando, FL
Philadelphia, PA
Sacramento, CA
San Antonio, TX
San Jose, CA
Santa Rosa, CA
Seattle, WA

For more information, visit the DOE press release.

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