BERKELEY SUN PLAN WORKS

City's High Number of Solar Panels Recognized
Crystal Kay Fairrington, March 12, 2009 (Daily Californian)

"The Northern California Solar Energy Association presented its annual City Solar Award to Berkeley… for having the most solar panels installed per 1,000 residents in 2007 among large Bay Area cities…[with] more than 450 solar panels and about four panel installations per 1,000 residents…

"The panels are photovoltaic power systems that convert sunlight into electricity and allow homeowners to generate some of their energy demands on the roofs of their homes. Mayor Tom Bates said he was pleased that the city was recognized for its energy conservation efforts… "

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"Earlier this month, Berkeley became the first city to install solar panels made available in an affordable way. The Berkeley FIRST program allows property owners to pay for the panels through their property taxes for up to 20 years.

"Although the award did not recognize the Berkeley FIRST program specifically, Julie Sinai, Bates' chief of staff, said community members' support for this and other programs is an indication of their commitment to energy efficiency…[T]he city has taken various steps to encourage citizens to remain environmentally conscious. Efforts include waiving the building permit fees for residents interested in solar panel installation…

"Jodi Pincus, executive director of the Rising Sun Energy Center, which promotes renewable energy and conservation techniques, said she was not surprised that Berkeley was honored with the award…"