MSR - Solar Works! Partnership Grant
In June 2003, the Redwood Coast Energy Authority’s Board voted to formally endorse the U.S. Department of Energy’s Million Solar Roofs (MSR) Initiative, and as an MSR Partner, committed to the following overall goal:
Million Solar Roofs Goal: There will be 500 solar electric and solar thermal systems installed on residences, businesses, and public facilities in Humboldt County by 2010.
Subsequently RCEA received a grant from the DOE in the amount of $37,567 to implement Phase I of a program known as the Solar Works! Partnership.
Phase I Goal: By March 31, 2005, build on accomplishments of the Solar Works! Pilot Program to develop a strategic plan to guide the accomplishment of the overall MSR goal of 500 solar installations in Humboldt County by 2010.
To accomplish the Phase I Goal, the MSR grant includes the following objectives:
- Identify, and engage local stakeholders in the development of the MSR Strategic Plan.
- Improve outreach tools for reaching residents, businesses, financial institutions and schools.
- Create solar training opportunities for those in the building professions.
- Develop and facilitate solar financing options for local residents and businesses.
- Develop a regional public facilities solar installation plan.
- Generate recommendations for government and land use codes to ease installation barriers for solar energy systems.
The SolarWorks! Guide is a step-by-step guide to using solar energy for grid-connected homes and businesses in Humboldt County. It was originally published by the Humboldt County Energy Task Force several years ago. Its methodology for estimating system size and exonomics is still sound, but information regarding rebates, incentives and tax credits is out of date. To download a copy of the SolarWorks! Guide, (PDF, 1.1 megabytes), [click here].
As part of MSR, a Solar Services Guide for Humboldt County was published by the Redwood Coast Energy Authority. Although now also out of date (it was published in 2005), it contains rebate and incentive information, local resoruces, and local case studies. To download a copy, (PDF, 2.7 megabytes) [click here].
