BE4-1 Identify public entity owned sites suitable for hosting community solar arrays (including ground mounted and rooftop mounted options) and select site(s) to host a community solar array. Develop community solar array prioritizing low and middle income household subscribers.
Once identified, organize, issue, and promote a Request for Proposals for community solar developments capable of serving residents and businesses interested in subscribing, particularly low income renters and home owners. Community solar developments may be within or outside of community boundary but those within community boundary should be prioritized. Provide communications and subscription procurement support to selected community solar developer.
- Goal: 12,500 MWh delivered through community solar subscriptions within County annually by 2030.
BE4-2 Establish a Solar Ready Guide providing building owners, renters, developers, designers, and contractors with detailed information on strategies to make new construction or significant renovation projects fully Solar Ready enabling more cost efficient and easier installation of on-site solar arrays.
BE4-3 Consider the adoption of a Solar Ready Ordinance to require all new residential, multifamily residential and commercial buildings to be solar ready based on a Solar Ready Guide, with flexibility for site suitability. Provide resources to help residents and businesses make informed decisions about renewable energy options including on-site solar, green energy purchases, and community solar.
BE4-4 Identify, or hire a consultant to identify the "Solar Top 100" commercial/industrial properties within the community and produce detailed solar feasibility assessments for each site. Include a "Top 20 Community Solar" study to identify top potentials to support community solar benefits for low income residents. Include exploration of "carport" array options over large pavement expanses as well as large rooftop arrays on public facilities. Assessments to include potential solar generation and economic performance and return on investment estimates, information on financing and ownership models, and next step resources. Provide solar assessment reports to properties and provide an informational workshop to assist building owners and businesses in understanding the assessments, incentives, and next step potential. "Solar Top 100" assessment effort could be repeated annually.
BE4-5 Create, or hire a consultant to create a Clean Energy Equity plan to support low-income residents and small organizations in purchasing renewable energy and reducing overall energy poverty (high energy burden) within the community.
BE4-6 Build on current pilot study exploring best use of solar on farms and implement recommendations and findings of the pilot study to expand appropriate opportunities for solar on farms.
BE4-7 Develop renewable energy program(s) which increase utilization of on-site / in-community renewable energy while creating benefit for low-income community members. Example programs include City of Dubuque Low Income Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC), Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Community Solar for Community Action, and Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute Community Solar Program Model.
- Goal: 12,500 MWh clean energy delivered through programs annually by 2030.
