A new solar initiative will help support Tucson jobs AZ.
The City of Tucson recently announced that it has received $389,000 from the U.S. Department of Energy to support phase two of the city’s solar initiative. Tuscon, which is one of 25 cities designated as a Solar America City by the DOE, currently has photovoltaic panels at 14 locations, which provide 1.1 megawatts of power.
“Solar energy is already an important growth industry for Tucson and will make significant contributions to meeting the region’s energy needs in the coming years.” Joe Snell, president and CEO of Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities, Inc., said. “Already, the region employs over 2,000 people in the solar industry, contributing a total annual economic impact of $402.7 million to the greater Tucson economy.”
The funding Tucson received will be used to: research creative ways for municipalities to pay for solar installations; study how solar projects can be integrated into new city buildings from the beginning of planning; and establish a “one-stop solar shop” to provide comprehensive, unbiased information to people interested in installing solar equipment on their homes or other privately owned buildings.
In keeping with the focus on solar power, the House Committee on Science and Technology recently passed Gifford’s Solar Technology Roadmap Act. That bill would require the DOE to appoint a group of experts to create a long-term plan to guide solar energy research and its transition into commercial uses.
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords said the funds would help advance the use of solar energy in Tucson and make it easier for consumers to get comprehensive information on solar from a one-stop center.
“This award will allow the city of Tucson to continue its leadership in the use of solar energy,” she added.