SF Named Top Solar City in Bay Area
(July 14, 2010)
San Francisco, CA--Mayor Gavin Newsom today announced that the City and County of San Francisco was named the number one city in the Bay Area for newly installed photovoltaic solar technology. The Northern California Solar Energy Association (NorCal Solar) made the announcement at its City/County Solar Awards Celebration. San Jose was named second in the use of solar technology, and Santa Rosa, third.
"San Francisco is lighting the way with solar power," said Mayor Newsom. "Solar power will reduce greenhouse gases, grow our green economy, and lead the state towards a future of clean, renewable energy."
Currently, San Francisco has nearly 2,000 individual solar installations that generate almost 9 megawatts of clean, renewable electricity, enough energy to power 9,000 residences.
"San Francisco's 'Go Solar SF' program proves that going green just requires the will and proper incentives to make it happen," said San Francisco Assessor-Recorder Phil Ting, who accepted the award on behalf of the City. "By creating the largest municipal solar incentive program in the country, San Francisco has been able to triple its solar buildings and double its solar energy."
NorCal Solar is a non-profit educational organization whose mission is to accelerate the use of solar energy technology. It serves as an important link between consumers, government, and the solar industry. NorCal Solar created the City/County Solar Awards to raise public awareness about the benefits of solar technology and develop a spirit of friendly competition between municipalities.
For more information on the Northern California Solar Energy Association please visit: www.norcalsolar.org
Contact: Deborah Burstyn, NorCal Solar
510-705-8813
Mayor's Office of Communications,
415-554-6131