We have harped endlessly about how one of the easiest ways of producing solar energy was to turn rooftops across the world into solar panel laced units that can tap into the power of the sun. The simplicity of the idea lies in the fact that we need not really create any new space or clear out acres of land for this project and all it needs is solar panels added to roofs of existing buildings. Well, it seems like LA has taken this endeavor pretty seriously as the city revealed an ambitious plan to turn rooftops of local homes, businesses and multi family buildings into one giant solar farm.
Put together, all the potential buildings for solar rooftops add up to 12,000 acres of surface space and if all of this is covered with photovoltaic panels that can efficiently tap into the sun, then LA could produce 5.5 gigawatts of clean and emission free energy. LADWP has though kick started the program with Feed in Tariff (FiT) rooftop solar program that will aim to create solar rooftops that can produce 150 megawatts in next three years and around 600 megawatts by 2020.
The program is called ‘CLEAN LA Solar’ and it will try and help LA achieve its alternate energy production goals and will reduce the city’s dependence on conventional grid power. Those who opt for solar rooftops under the FiT program can sell the power that they produce from their solar installations back to LADWP. The idea is to encourage more individuals and enterprises in their attempt to go green and to offer a supportive infrastructure that will help them in turning toward solar power.
Via: Prnewswire
