solar energy

The county's Climate Action Plan describes the county's recent accomplishments in solar energy production (p. 2-5) and identifies renewable energy generation as one of the county's three primary strategies for reducing GHG emissions (p. 3-15). The plan's Energy GHG emission reduction strategies include the development of a comprehensive renewable energy program to encourage residents to install solar PV and hot water systems (Measure E-2); related action items include identifying methods to expand renewable energy production (A), participating in programs to provide financial incentives for renewable energy (B,C), developing an outreach program for installing solar hot water heaters in residential buildings (D), developing a free solar audit program (E), and streamlining permitting for PV and solar hot water systems (F). It sets targets for percentage of building owners installing solar PV and solar hot water systems, and lists related General Plan policies (p. 3-20). A measure to adopt a green building and energy efficiency ordinance suggests new buildings should be designed to maximize passive solar energy use and the potential for on-site solar generation (Measure E-4).