MAYOR BILL WHITE UNVEILS CITY SOLAR ENERGY PROJECTS
June 9, 2008 -- Mayor Bill White today unveiled two solar-energy demonstration projects which
will help provide power to city buildings and are part of Houston's commitment to expand the use of solar energy as one of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar America Cities.
"Using renewable sources of energy such as more solar and wind power means we are conserving energy, saving money and protecting the environment," said Mayor White. "The City of Houston wants to lead by example and become the world's energy conservation capital."
The arrays of solar panels are installed on the front of the Code Enforcement building (3300 Main) and the roof of the City Hall Annex building (900 Bagby). Each array of solar panels is expected to generate about 12,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, roughly enough power for an average size home.
BP Solar donated the solar panels for the two cities installations.
"With these projects, Mayor White and the City of Houston are demonstrating how solar panels can be used to reduce monthly energy bills and provide reliable power with zero emissions," said Frank Hernandez, vice president, Government and Public Affairs, BP America. "We believe solar, wind and other forms of alternative energy must play a significant role in expanding and diversifying the nation's energy supply. That's why we're working to build a sustainable alternative energy business in Texas and across the United States."
Through the Solar America Cities partnership, the U.S. Department of Energy also is providing Houston with financial and technical assistance to expand the use of solar energy within the city.
"The Department of Energy recognizes the important role of cities as champions of progressive energy efficiency and renewable energy efforts, and we are especially excited to see Houston making this commitment, said Tom Kimbis, Acting Solar Program Manager. "Solar is a key component of our national energy strategy and the DOE's goal is to make solar photovoltaic-based electricity cost-competitive nationwide by 2015, and sooner in some states."
Houston has been chosen as one of 25 U.S. cities in the Solar America Cities program designed to promote and increase the use of solar technology.
Mayor White was joined in the announcement by Charlie Hemmeline, acting Director of Market Transformation for the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Program.
