The Bellevue City Council has approved a new use of city-owned property: solar projects, located on leased roof space at municipal buildings.

 The council approved the idea Feb. 22.
“Community solar” projects, as they are known, have been encouraged by state legislation to provide incentives for groups, nonprofits and non-utility businesses to install small solar energy projects on public property. Federal tax credits for renewable energy are available through the end of 2011.

Bellevue has several roof sites that could work for the solar energy. The roofs of the Bellevue Service Center and the North Bellevue Community Center are being considered for solar projects.  Each project could generate up to enough energy to power approximately six homes per year.
 

The initial cost to install a solar array would be paid for by members of a community solar organization. The amount each member pays would depend on how many members are in the group. They could recoup their investment through incentive payments as specified in the state legislation. There would be no cost to the city. 

The city of Bellevue will next solicit proposals from community solar groups who want to sign a long-term lease for selected roof space. Lease amounts have not yet been determined.

Supporters tout several benefits of community-owned solar projects, noting that they: support Washington’s clean technology industry, create jobs, generate electrical power locally, and give community members ways to back efforts that reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution.