County Supervisors OK Measure Focused On Expanding Solar Power

SAN DIEGO, CA — The county Board of Supervisors Wednesday unanimously approved a measure aimed at increasing the use of solar energy in disadvantaged and low-income communities.

As proposed by board Chair Terra Lawson-Remer, the measure calls for county officials to "determine if any county-owned or leased properties are good fits for smaller-scale, solar-power projects."

The state Public Utility Commission's Disadvantaged Communities Green Tariff program -- dubbed the "Solar Advantage" program in San Diego County -- concentrates on bringing clean energy to low-income residents, according to Lawson-Remer's office.

"Currently, many solar developers want to participate in the Solar Advantage program, but struggle to find leasable sites on county-owned land," according to a statement from her office.

"All working families in San Diego deserve affordable, clean power and our county has an opportunity to broaden access by supporting the Solar Advantage program," Lawson-Remer said.

Lawson-Remer, who also serves as board chair for San Diego Community Power, said the cost of renewable energy technologies has dropped by a considerable number.

She added that since 2010, utility-scale solar costs have fallen by 88%, and while wind costs are down by almost 70%.

— City News Service