Best Solar Areas: Solar America Cities
If you are wondering how to identify the best solar areas in the United States, then look no further than the 25 metropolitan areas with which the Department of Energy is working through its Solar America Cities partnership (shown on the map to the right).
These cities are working to “accelerate the adoption of solar energy technologies,” by engaging with more than 180 organizations (including solar companies, universities, local and state agencies, utilities and non-profits) to use solar energy for municipal power.
The following video offers a great synopsis of the program:
Solar America Cities are cutting edge
They are truly cutting edge solar cities. The map shows that, even though there is a range in solar resource potential (darkest shaded areas have the most, lightest have the least), these 25 cities across the United States are taking steps that will serve as a solar energy market model for other cities across the country. Specifically:
“[The] Cities . . . are taking action to make solar energy a more viable option for their communities. These Solar America Cities are using innovative approaches to remove market barriers to solar and to encourage adoption of solar energy technologies at the local level.”
One of the primary goals of the program is to make photovoltaic (PV) power cost-competitive with coal-based electricity by 2015. Through the R&D supported by the Solar America Cities program, many believe that we’ll get there, if not sooner.
Going solar is not reserved only to the people that live in one of the Solar America Cities, however. A variety of programs are available across the nation, including rebates and tax credits, and/or net metering to help you go solar. In addition, the DOE website explains:
Specific federal and state tax laws permit private companies and homeowners to credit the purchase price of their solar power systems against their annual income tax payment.
- Federal Business Energy Tax Credit is 30% on commercial renewable energy system purchases and installation.
- Residential Solar Tax Credit is 30% up to $2,000 for photovoltaics and solar water heating.
- Utility rebates can range from $2.00 – 4.50 per watt.
Yes, solar is available to everyone. Yet the biggest outcome from the Solar America Cities program is that broad-based implementation of solar technologies, streamlined permitting for solar installations and promotion of solar energy technologies at a grassroots level will get us to overall cleaner, greener energy usage nationwide.
Do you live in a solar city? If so, what changes have you seen on the renewable energy front in your hometown?
Tags: best solar areas, government solar programs, solar america cities, solar cities
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