New San Francisco solar power to double US total

Voters in the latest city and county elections in San Francisco have voted 73% in favour of a resolution to allow the City and County of San Francisco to issue up to $100 million worth of bonds to finance the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, installation and improvement specifically of solar energy facilities, energy conservation facilities and equipment and other renewable energy facilities. In a second resolution, 55% of the voters chose to allow the list of projects for which the City may issue revenue bonds without voter approval to be expanded to include renewable energy facilities and energy conservation facilities.

These two resolutions mean that San Francisco citizens can purchase bonds for investment, with the proceeds being spent specifically on renewable energy.

The supporters of the measures included the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, which is reportedly keen to see an end to the high energy prices that have driven some shops out of business.

According to those in favour of the measurers, San Francisco could produce up to 20 MW of solar power within a year – more than any other city in the US – by placing solar panels on the roofs of city-owned buildings and schools. A further 30 MW of renewable power could also come from wind turbines erected in the Bay area, say the supporters.