San Antonio named a ‘Solar America City’

Mayor Phil Hardberger said Tuesday that the City of San Antonio has been designated as a U.S. Department of Energy Solar America City.

With this designation, San Antonio will receive financial and technical assistance to fund innovative solar-energy initiatives that could serve as a model for other cities. San Antonio is home to the largest solar energy project currently installed in Texas. The solar project is located at Silver Ventures’ redevelopment project at the historic Pearl Brewery. The former brewery is being developed into urban space for lofts, restaurants and offices. CPS Energy is working with the developers to install a $1.35 million, 200-kilowatt photo voltaic system on one of Pearl’s 67,000 square-foot facility.

The announcement was made as part of the Department of Energy’s second Solar America Cities annual meeting, which will take place this year from March 31 through April 2. About 150 people are attending this conference. A total of 25 communities are being named Solar Cities. These cities are implementing solar technologies and programs to encourage the use of solar energy. Cities are also integrating solar energy into city planning and emergency preparedness plans and conducting workshops for building code officials, solar installers and the public.

“The Department of Energy’s investment in the city of San Antonio is welcome support for our commitment to implementing solar energy technologies and programs,” Hardberger says. “I am proud that our city is being recognized for our leadership in the planning and implementation of clean and renewable solar technology at the local level. Our partnership with the Department of Energy will provide a platform for us to continue our commitment while sharing our successes with other communities.”

Tom Kimbis, the Department of Energy’s director of the Solar America Cities program, says cities play an important role in the adoption of renewable energy.

“Solar is a key component of our national energy strategy, and through our Solar America Cities program we are working to improve the nation’s energy security and combat global climate change. Spotlighting progressive cities like San Antonio is helping us do just that,” Kimbis says.