On 2/21/04 9:51 AM, "Jim MCGUIRE" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> While trying to find more information regarding solar projects in Minnesota > (there are many, but most - certainly not all - are buildings designed from > the ground up to use solar). I did, however, find this item: > > http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/council/2004-meetings/20040130/Docs/11_Million > _Solar_Roofs.pdf > > In brief - the Department of Regulartory Services requested (just recently) > that the City Council approve a partnership with the Million Solar Roofs > program. (http://www.millionsolarroofs.com/). > > It was approved - just by the Public Safety & Regulatory Services committee > I assume full Council action is pending, but it does so that there's already > official action on the concept of solar roofs in Minneapolis. > > What this means exactly, I don't know, but I think it's a good sign. Million Solar Roofs is a US Department of Energy (DOE) program that started under the Clinton Administration and has somehow managed to survive thus far. Here's a brief description from their web site: "Announced in June 1997, Million Solar Roofs (MSRI) is an initiative to install solar energy systems on one million U.S. buildings by 2010. The initiative includes two types of solar technology: solar electric systems (or photovoltaics) that produce electricity from sunlight and solar thermal systems that produce heat for domestic hot water, space heating, or heating swimming pools. The Million Solar Roofs Initiative is designed to support states and local communities as they develop a strong commitment to the sustained deployment of solar energy technologies. To ensure positive and productive results, the Million Solar Roofs Initiative focuses on those areas that have formed strong partnerships, representing the very heart of this initiative." As far as I could tell, there are no other Minnesota cities currently working in partnership with the Million Solar Roofs program - Minneapolis would be the first. Benefits of partnership include access to grant programs, technical assistance and connections to solar energy businesses, associations, and related industries that can provide assistance. Apparently, the commitment for partnership is to install 500 photovoltaic systems by 2010. I didn't see anything as far as whether any goals have been set for Minneapolis. Does anyone know any details on that? Mark Snyder Windom Park REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
