November 9, 2001—Residents of San Francisco have approved two bond measures that will generate $100 million for the installation of solar power, wind power, and energy efficiency technologies on city-owned property. The Solar Revenue Bond, is expected to provide financing for about 10 to 12 megawatts of solar power—enough to make the city a world leader in solar generation—and about 30 megawatts of wind generation. For comparison, the city government in San Francisco currently uses a total of 160 megawatts of power.
The solar panels will be installed on rooftops of city facilities in the sunniest areas of the city. The wind turbines will be located on city-owned property in Alameda and San Mateo Counties. Because the bonds will be repaid through energy savings from these installations and from energy-efficiency improvements at city facilities, the measure will not result in higher taxes. For more information, contact the California Solar Center.
Based on a report from the DOEs Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network
