13 cities were named as "inaugural solar cities" by the US Department of Energy on Wednesday. Three of those are located in California: Berkeley, San Francisco, and San Diego. Those cities gained that recognition by adopting comprehensive plans toward solar energy.
"Selected cities demonstrated a level of commitment to promote solar throughout the city, involving local government officials, utilities and private partners. City goals include the integration of solar energy into city planning and emergency preparedness plans; development of a comprehensive city government approach to solar implementation, involving key stakeholders, utilities, and private partners; large-scale solar installations; reduction in market barriers by activities such as streamlining solar-friendly permitting and zoning; creation of city-level solar incentives such as solar rebates, financial assistance, tax credits, property tax abatements, and/or tax incentives to solar manufacturers who locate in the city; increased public awareness through inclusion of promotions and city-wide education; inclusion of renewable energy curriculum material in public schools; and widespread increase in solar adoption."
Significant financial assistance will be provided to these cities as well: "Each winning city is eligible for US$200,000 in DOE funding, with $2 million available in technical assistance to support projects this year with an additional $600,000 for projects in 2008. Technical assistance is provided by DOE, its national laboratories, and experts in city planning, technology selection, project financing, building codes, architecture, and community outreach communications."
You can read more about it here.
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