U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Solar Energy Technologies Program – Solar America Initiative

Solar America Cities

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar America Initiative seeks to form strategic partnerships with U.S. cities. Through these partnerships, the Solar America Cities program intends to help accelerate the adoption of solar technology at the local level. This includes engaging city governments as important end users of energy, key intermediaries to other end users within their jurisdiction, and regulatory entities.

Solar America Cities Goals
Winning Cities
Selection Process
Funding and Technical Assistance

Solar America Cities Goals

Between now and 2015, Solar America Cities partners have committed to the following desired program goals:

  • Development of a comprehensive city government approach to solar implementation, involving key stakeholders, utilities, and private partners
  • Installation of large-scale solar plants and systems
  • Reduction of market barriers (e.g., streamlining solar-friendly permitting and zoning)
  • Creation of city-level solar incentives (e.g., rebates, financial assistance, tax credits, property tax abatements, and/or tax incentives to solar manufacturers who locate in the city.)
  • Increase in public awareness through promotions and citywide education
  • Inclusion of renewable energy curriculum material in the public schools
  • Development of program activities that serve as a model for other cities
  • Integration of solar energy into city planning and emergency preparedness plans (e.g., schools as shelters)

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Winning Cities

On June 20, 2007, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) named the following 13 cities as Solar America Cities:

  • Ann Arbor, MI
  • Austin, TX
  • Berkeley, CA
  • Boston, MA
  • Madison, WI
  • New Orleans, LA
  • New York City, NY
  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • Portland, OR
  • Salt Lake City, UT
  • San Diego, CA
  • San Francisco, CA
  • Tucson, AZ

DOE recognizes Solar America Cities as partners highly committed to solar technology adoption at the local level. The award will engage city governments and support their innovative efforts through funding and technical assistance.

Selection Process

Each city submitted a proposal outlining their plans to:

  • Build a sustainable solar infrastructure
  • Streamline city-level regulations
  • Promote mainstream solar technology adoption among residents and businesses

Evaluation criteria included:

  • Demonstration of a comprehensive city government approach to solar planning
  • Implementation of large-scale solar plants and systems
  • Activities
  • Incentives to further market expansion and the elimination of local market barriers

Selected cities also demonstrated a high level of commitment to promote solar throughout their cities, involving local government officials, utilities, and private partners.

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Funding and Technical Assistance

The selected cities are each eligible for up to $200,000 in DOE financial assistance. With a 50% cost share requirements, this brings the FY 2007 total project value to approximately $5 million. Approximately $2 million in technical assistance is available to support projects in FY 2007 with an additional $600,000 in 2008. DOE will distribute the funds as needed among the cities.

DOE will provide technical assistance for:

  • City planning
  • Technology selection
  • Project financing
  • Building codes
  • Architectural review
  • Community outreach

Solar technologies promoted by Solar America Cities include photovoltaics, concentrating solar power, and solar water/air heating technologies.

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