Morgan Hill’s energy efficient goal is looking sunnier these
days. The partnership with Santa Clara County and eight other
cities and special districts will
”
dramatically increase
”
the amount of solar power the city is using, said Tony Eulo,
Morgan Hill’s environmental programs manager.
Morgan Hill’s energy efficient goal is looking sunnier these days.
The partnership with Santa Clara County and eight other cities and special districts will “dramatically increase” the amount of solar power the city is using, said Tony Eulo, Morgan Hill’s environmental programs manager.
Because the governments of each entity agreed to purchase renewable power together, it saves money for all and becomes attractive to investors because of the size of the project.
The city would not spend any money up front to install the panels, – the bid will go to an agency that will do that – the group will agree on a rate and then pay for the energy used to power the buildings. The rate will be less than electrical power costs, Eulo said.
Last year, Morgan Hill used about 22,000 kilowatt hours of solar power or about 20 percent during sunny months and 5 percent in gray months.
“This will save on costs and time commitments by having the county lead this effort,” Eulo said. “We’re very thankful.”
Cities in California must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 to comply with the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006.
Eulo said the city is looking at these buildings to install solar panels on: The Community & Cultural Center parking lot (on a parking structure or overhang), the police department, aquatic center, outdoor sports complex, the Centennial Recreation Center and the civic center.
The county will await bids from agencies and then report back to the cities and districts involved to choose the winning bid.
Milpitas, Mountain View, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Pacifica, VTA, South Bayside Waster Management Authority, Santa Clara County and Morgan Hill make up the collaboration.
