Many cities across the United States are taking substantial strides toward deriving their city’s energy from renewable sources, including solar, wind, and geothermal power. In 2007 the U.S. Department of Energy launched the Solar America Initiative, which seeks to partner with cities to facilitate the use of solar technology on a local level. The DOE, under the Solar America Initiative, recognized 13 cities with Solar America Cities awards. Cities awarded the inaugural prize included Portland, OR, San Diego and San Francisco, CA. 2008 recipients of the award, which includes funding to promote education and solar programs, were announced on March 28th and include Seattle, WA and Denver, CO among others.

Perhaps the most comprehensive list of top U.S. cities was released following a study by SustainLane Government. This study ranked U.S. cities by what percentage of their overall energy usage was derived from renewable sources:

Oakland, CA led the nation with 17 percent of its energy being renewable. Oakland has the advantage of accessing energy from one of the largest wind power facilities in the country at Altamont Pass near the city. The top four cities all being in California is no coincidence. California initiated its Renewable Portfolio Standard in 2002, which set minimal requirements for utility purchases of renewable energy. This standard requires a minimum 20 percent renewable energy total for the state’s utilities by 2020.

Other cities on the list have progressive goals for increasing renewable energy. Chicago plans to be 20 percent renewable by 2010 and Portland, OR actually hopes to be 100 percent renewable energy by 2010. All the cities on the Top Ten list are leaders on the renewable energy front and most of them also appear on the lists of Solar America Cities.

Solar power plays a large role in any city’s mission to use green, renewable energy. Especially in cities such as Austin, TX where they receive over 300 days of sunshine per year. Yet, it may be more significant to see Portland, OR on a list of solar energy leaders. Perhaps Portand’s leadership in solar power will dispel myths that solar power will be largely ineffective in rainier climates.

Links:

Top Ten U.S. Cities for Renewable Energy
Solar America Cities

Posted on April 7th in Solar News by Dan.