Solar Energy

The Natural Resources Element of the city's General Plan addresses renewable energy production. The plan educates readers of direct and indirect uses of renewable energy sources: solar ovens are an example of a direct use and electricity generation through PV cells (solar panels) is an example of an indirect use (NR-19). The plan details how the city has utilized the sun through installing solar panels on the roofs of buildings and installing solar-powered parking stations (NR-19, NR20). The plan also includes pictures of these installations and discusses passive solar design (NR-20). The plan also mentions the City's Green Building Ordinance which details a variety of energy conservation techniques including installation of a solar hot water system (NR-22). The plan includes key energy conservation considerations; "many buildings in Redwood City do not take advantage of passive solar design" (NR-23). The plan includes Goal NR-4 which is to "maximize energy conservation and renewable energy production in Redwood City to reduce consumption of natural resources and fossil fuels." Policies include NR-4.2: Promote the use of renewable energy and support efforts to develop small-scale, distributed energy (e.g., solar power) to reduce the amount of electricity drawn from the regional power grid. Implementation Program NR-16 is to encourage and promote the use of on-site alternative energy sources such as solar panel arrays and PV cells (includes information on timeframe, responsible party, and funding sources). Implementation Program NR-17: Analyze and research the feasibility of using small scale energy-producing technologies in public buildings, where feasible, including solar (includes information on timeframe, responsible party and funding sources). Implementation Program NR-19: Utilize incentives and financing mechanisms to encourage alternative energy use for existing residential and commercial buildings. For example, evaluate whether the City can purchase large quantities of solar panels at a lower cost and resell them to existing residents and businesses (includes information on timeframe, responsible party, and funding sources).