Santa Barbara Honors 27 Solar Energy System Projects

Mayor Helene Schneider distributed certificates and plaques to award winners. There were over 30 people who attended this event.

The intent of the City’s Solar Energy System and Passive Solar Design Guidelines and Recognition Program is to promote the use of renewable energy, efficient use of energy resources, and aesthetically integrated systems into the design of projects and buildings. Active and passive solar energy are cleaner forms of energy than traditional fossil fuels and are safer than nuclear power. Less regional pollution will result from increased solar use, which this awards program promotes.

Over 70 solar energy system projects which were installed this past year were considered for possible awards, and of those, 27 projects were selected for award recognition. This year’s plaque and certificate award winners are in 6 award categories and demonstrate both highly efficient systems as well as designs consistent with the city’s Solar Energy System Design Guidelines in the following categories. Award project photographs are available on-line in a PowerPoint presentation at click here.

Not Publicly Visible Solar Energy System Projects:

· Ideal Sites

· Flat-Roof Panel System

Design Challenge Solar Energy System Projects, Publicly Visible:

· Carefully Designed and Mounted Panel Systems

Special Challenge Solar Energy System Projects:

· Mission-Style Tile Roofs

· Historic District and Structures

Passive Solar Project

In addition, this year the City recognized the Community Environmental Council’s (CEC) Solarize Santa Barbara Program which had 49 participants in their solar energy program in South Santa Barbara County in three months in 2011.

Upcoming: The full City Council is scheduled to affirm today’s awards at their October 9th, 2012 City Council meeting. The Council Agenda Report for October 9th will be available on-line Thursday afternoon October 4th at click here.