Legal support for solar initiatives
On April 1, U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., introduced the Solar Schools Act, a bill that would make it more affordable for schools to install solar power systems.
Giffords is a member of the House Science and Technology Committee and an enthusiastic solar power supporter. Last year, she introduced the Solar Technology Roadmap Act.
Currently, government institutions—including school districts—can develop solar energy in one of two ways: through an agreement with a solar installer who maintains ownership of the panels and who can claim an investment tax credit, or by financing the purchase of the solar system through tax-exempt bonds.
If school districts were able to combine both approaches, financing a solar installation through tax-exempt bonds and claiming the investment tax credit, it would make clean renewable energy much more affordable, the bill says.
The Solar Schools Act would allow schools to use proceeds from tax-exempt bonds to enter into pre-paid contracts for renewable energy. Publicly owned utilities already are granted just such an exemption to enter into similar contracting agreements. The act would extend that exemption to local government entities.
Giffords announced the new bill at La Cima Middle School in Arizona, where a solar power system was installed in February 2008. The 54 panels in the system generate approximately 15,000 kilowatt hours per year—enough energy to power 1.5 average-size homes. This solar system saves burning seven tons of coal per year and saves the release of 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority launched School Power…Naturally in 2003, a $2.1 million program involving 50 schools selected to receive a solar energy and data collection system. The system is worth about $24,000, and each school contributes $1,500.
In 2008, the program received an additional $1.275 million to upgrade and expand its capabilities.
Schools have access to a curriculum focused on the solar energy program, including web-based tools and contests.
Each participating school has a 2-kilowatt solar power system on its roof, which is tied into classroom lessons. Participating schools also were outfitted with equipment and software that provide performance data on the solar power system.
On March 25, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Senate Bill 205, which helps clear the way for school districts across the state to leverage Qualified School Construction Bonds (QSCBs) to finance infrastructure projects, including the installation of solar systems to reduce energy costs. QSCBs are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which authorizes these special low-interest bonds for schools seeking to improve infrastructure.
Links:
The California Solar Initiative
Irvine Unified School District
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