by jbs071209g3 — July 15, 2009—The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a funding opportunity for up to $10.5 million to increase the ability of local governments to accelerate solar energy adoption and workforce development. This funding, subject to annual appropriations, will provide local governments across the U.S. with useful, timely information on increasing solar energy use.
Through the Solar America Cities program, a partnership effort with 25 large U.S. cities, DOE has developed guides, case studies, and tool kits to assist local governments in promoting solar energy. Under this new effort, DOE will partner with outreach organizations to get these tools into the hands of local government officials and stakeholders.
DOE has encouraged local governments to take a comprehensive approach to solar energy adoption, one that includes workforce development and green jobs training, economic development through support for a local solar industry, and financial incentive programs that help citizens make investments in solar energy. By facilitating peer-to-peer information sharing, DOE will empower local governments to integrate solar energy into their communities.
