San Francisco, California: Solar in Action (Brochure), Solar ... - NREL

The San Francisco Solar Map offers a centralized websitewhere users can obtain this information. The map wasdeveloped in partnership with the engineering consultingfirm CH2M HILL’s sustainability solutions group. Using newsoftware technology, the map allows users to find the solarpotential of any rooftop in the city. Users can evaluate theeconomics of using solar at a particular site and findinformation and guidance for all the steps along the path tosolar installation and use. The map also includes markers andinformation for installed systems and is updated regularlywith relevant local solar news.Targeting Commercial PropertyOwners through the Mayor’sSolar Founders’ CircleThe Mayor’s Solar Founders’ Circle was created to targetowners of the largest roofs, offering free personalizedtechnical analysis of their estimated solar potential andfinancial analysis of the estimated system costs and benefits.In September 2008, San Francisco targeted the 1,500 largestrooftops in the city when then-Mayor Gavin Newsomchallenged their owners to join the Mayor’s Solar Founders’Circle by installing a solar energy system by September 2009.This outreach campaign sent letters notifying buildingowners of their solar potential and the solar benefits theycould enjoy based on initial estimates. Businesses thatresponded received free energy efficiency audits and solar siteassessments from SF Environment in addition to an extra$1.50 per watt GoSolarSF incentive, up to a cap of $10,000.Aerial view of the 675-kW PV installation at the MosconeConvention Center in San Francisco. Photo from The City of SanFrancisco, NREL/PIX 18417Then-Mayor Gavin Newsom and John Lushetsky, DOE’s SolarEnergy Technologies program manager, celebrate San Francisco’sdesignation as a Solar America City. Photo from The City of SanFrancisco, NREL/PIX 18421Between October 2008 and May 2009, more than 100building owners responded with requests for assessments.Site assessors visited these properties to gather more detailedinformation. They then analyzed the available roof area andsolar exposure, and estimated the potential size, energyproduction, cost, and payback for a solar system on eachbuilding. This information helped building owners decidewhether to move forward with a solar energy system.Ninety-three building owners followed through withprerequisite energy audits, provided their utility bills for usein the analysis, and received final solar assessment reports.Based on follow-up conversations, there have been no installsby program participants, with most citing the inability toprovide or secure the upfront capital necessary to install.However, 13 sites followed recommendations from the energyaudits to make energy efficiency upgrades estimated to save770,000 kilowatt hours per year (kWh/yr), equivalent to about450 kW of solar.Through this process, San Francisco identified a lack offinancing options for small- to mid-size commercial solarprojects as an additional barrier. This issue is being addressedwith San Francisco’s Solar America Cities Special Project,launched in 2010.Facilitating Residential SolarGroup PurchasesThe installed cost for smaller solar systems is typically higherwhen approached one-by-one through individual purchasesbecause of the time required by installers to market, pursue5