Two years ago, former VP Al Gore called for America to produce 100% of our electricity from energy sources with zero carbon emissions – and to do so within 10 years.
At Open Neighborhoods we were inspired by Gore’s clean energy challenge, and soon launched a petition drive in Mar Vista to build support for a neighborhood goal of 100% clean electricity by 2018. We also began organizing with other homeowners to negotiate a group discount on solar installations for our homes.
In 2009 the GoSolar Mar Vista community solar program soon became the largest group solar installation in LADWP history, with 33 solar installations and over 105kW of electricity generation. Mar Vista is now generating 1.75% of its electricity through solar power — and the neighborhood has officially adopted a goal of 100% clean electricity by 2018.
In recognition of the two-year anniversary of Gore’s climate challenge we are excited to announce new green power communities in neighborhoods including Santa Monica and Del Rey. Petition drives are now underway in these neighborhoods to build support and awareness of the 100% clean electricity goal. Using a new service provided by EarthAid.net, residents can link up their utility accounts to compare electricity use and earn rewards for energy savings. Culver City and Venice green power community websites will be launching soon.
We have just received a number of exciting proposals from leading solar installers for a second community solar program to begin this August. The four-month program will offer solar workshops and information sessions, free solar assessments – and a rigorous selection process ensuring the best group rate and qualified solar installer available for residential and commercial solar installations. For more information about the GoSolar 2010 community solar program visit www.openneighborhoods.net/gosolar.
Tags: Al Gore, Culver City, Del Rey, GoSolar 2010, Green Power Community, Mar Vista, Open Neighborhoods, Santa Monica, Venice
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