Voters For Solar | Green Energy News

November 17, 2002 – Vol.7 No.34

VOTERS FOR SOLAR.

When voters choose a person to represent them in government they are hoping that that person will enact laws or spend money on projects that the voter thinks are important. Once in office that person may be able to accomplish what the voter had hoped for - or maybe not.

When a voter at the ballot box checks off a bond measure - money for a needed project - that project will get completed no matter who governs. Voters wield tremendous powers with bond measure votes. Unfortunately voters often ignore these powers.

About a year ago San Francisco voters approved a bond measure to spend $100 million for renewable energy projects in the California city. Now the first project has been announced, a $7.4 million solar and energy efficiency project for the Moscone Convention Center. A 675-kilowatt solar array atop the building will incorporate Shell Solar and Sanyo modules. The solar system, along with the improvements in energy efficiency, will save the city $639,000 each year.

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) has awarded PowerLight the contract for installation of the solar system. Visit the SFPUC at http://www.sfwater.org/ and PowerLight at http://www.powerlight.com/