HomeMy WebLinkAboutAlternative Energy Systems Presentation
Report compiled on January 23, 2008
Commission Memorandum
REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commission
FROM: Martin Knight, Assistant Planner
SUBJECT: Alternative Energy Systems in Bozeman
MEETING DATE: Monday, January 28th, 2008
RECOMMENDATION: The Planning Department is open to suggestions from the City
Commission. If so desired, the Planning Department is prepared to continue working towards the
City of Bozeman adopting standards and/or programs for such energy systems.
BACKGROUND: With recent increases in energy costs and overall concerns for our climate
gaining momentum, the City of Bozeman has recently had numerous inquires regarding the
installation of Photovoltaic (PV) solar cells, both in residential and commercial districts in the
City. Currently, the City of Bozeman does not have standards that specifically address the use
any such alternative energy systems. Thus, as directed by the City Commission, Planning Staff
has been researching both the use of and regulatory standards for alternative energy systems in
other communities.
This report attempts to outline the technologies of solar and wind energy as they exist today;
discusses the feasibility of utilizing such systems in our community; and, highlights examples of
regulatory standards, incentives, and programs being utilized by a few other communities in our
region.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES: The Department of Planning is not aware of any unresolved issues
regarding at this time.
FISCAL EFFECTS: Any potential fiscal impacts are undetermined at this time.
ALTERNATIVES: As suggested by the City Commission.
CONTACT: Please feel free to email Martin Knight at mknight@bozeman.net if you have any
questions.
APPROVED BY: Andrew Epple, Planning Director
Chris Kukulski, City Manager
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CITY COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
ALTERNATIVE ENGERY SYSTEMS
Alternative Energy Systems Staff Report 1
Item: An overview as to feasibility of utilizing solar and wind energy systems
in the City of Bozeman; The technologies as they exist today; state and
local incentive programs; and examples of regulatory standards and
programs from other communities in the region are discussed.
Date/Time: Before the Bozeman City Commission on Monday, January 28, 2008 at
6 pm, in the Community Room, Gallatin County Courthouse, 311 West
Main Street, Bozeman, Montana.
Report By: Martin Knight, Planner I
____________________________________________________________________________________
RENEWABLE ENERGY
With the effects of climate change being felt worldwide, the “green” movement as it’s become known has
begun to reach a state of critical mass rather than the “niche for the rich” that it has been in the past. The
effects of a hotter, drier climate, including prolonged droughts, excessive heat waves, reduced snow packs,
increased snowmelts, decreased spring runoffs, altered precipitation patterns, more severe forest and
rangeland fires, widespread forest diseases, and such impacts are being felt throughout Western North
America. A scientific consensus has been reached that increasing emissions of human-caused greenhouse
gases (GHG’s), including carbon dioxide, methane, and other GHG’s that are released into the atmosphere
are directly correlated to the alterations in the Earth’s climate that is being experienced. With the wide
ranging implications of global warming becoming apparent, many individuals and organizations have begun
to explore the utilization of alternative energy systems.
Figure 1: Breakdown of worldwide renewable energy production
Alternative energy systems, also known as renewable energy effectively uses natural resources such as
sunlight, wind, rain, tides and geothermal heat, which are naturally replenished. Renewable energy
technologies range from solar power, wind power, hydroelectricity, biomass and biofuels for
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transportation. About 13 percent of the world primary energy comes from renewables, with most of
renewable energy coming from traditional biomass, like wood-burning. Hydropower is the next largest
renewable source, providing 2-3%, and modern technologies like geothermal, wind, solar, and marine
energy together produce less than 1% of total world energy demand. The technical potential for their use
is very large, exceeding all other readily available sources.
While there are many large-scale renewable energy projects, such as hydroelectric and geothermal
power plants, renewable technologies are also suited to small scale applications, sometimes in rural and
remote areas, where cheap and reliable energy is often crucial. For instance, Kenya has the world's
highest household solar ownership rate with roughly 30,000 small (20-100 watt) solar power systems
sold per year. Bozeman is not Kenya; however, climate change concerns coupled with high oil prices
have spurred increased interest in small-scale alternative energy systems. This report will attempt to
outline the technologies as they exist today; discuss the feasibility of utilizing such systems in our
community; and, will highlight a few examples of regulatory standards, incentives, and programs being
utilized by other communities in the region.
Regional & Local Initiatives
a) Renewables Portfolio Standards (RPS): Enacted in April 2005 as part of the Montana
Renewable Power Production and Rural Economic Development Act, this requires public
utilities and competitive electricity suppliers to obtain a minimum of 15% of their retail
electricity sales from eligible renewable resources by 2015. Approximately 27 other states have
similar RPS programs.
b) Montana Climate Change Advisory Committee (CCAC): In December 2005, Governor
Brian Schweitzer directed the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to
establish a Climate Change Advisory Committee (CCAC). Under this initiative, the CCAC
evaluated state-level greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction opportunities in various sectors of
Montana’s economy while taking into consideration the Governor’s charge to develop policy
recommendations that would “save money, conserve energy, and bolster the Montana
economy.” In November 2007, this committee presented its findings and recommendations to
Governor Schweitzer in the Montana Climate Change Action Plan.
c) Western Climate Initiative (WCI): On January 4, 2008, Montana joined the Western Climate
Initiative (WCI). This initiative is a collaboration of the Western Governors Association (WGA)
with a goal of reducing regional emissions 15% below 2005 levels by 2020. Issues such as clean
tailpipe standards and higher RPS minimums for each state are to be considered. Participating
states include Washington, Utah, Oregon, Arizona, New Mexico, California, British Columbia,
and Manitoba.
d) U.S Mayors Climate Protection Agreement: In November 2006, the City of Bozeman signed
the U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement, a national effort by local governments to
decrease greenhouse gas emissions. The agreement sets the goal of taking baseline
measurements of how much greenhouse gas individual cities emitted in 1990, and by 2012
reducing those numbers by 7 percent. Shortly there after, the Bozeman City Commission
appointed a 15-member task force to draft an environmental action plan for the City of
Bozeman. This plan will establish a baseline of environmental impacts by the City of Bozeman
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by examining records of things such as fuel consumption and energy use by City Departments
and facilities. With a measurable quantitative baseline established, the plan will then include a
variety of recommendations to the Bozeman City Commission as to measures that should be
enacted to reduce the City of Bozeman’s greenhouse gas emissions. Tentatively, the task force is
scheduled to present its environmental action plan to the Bozeman City Commission in May
2008.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
Solar energy refers to energy directly from the Sun. Heat and light from the sun, along with solar-based
resources such as wind power, hydroelectricity, and biomass account for most of the available flow of
renewable energy. The harnessing of solar energy dates back to the early Greeks and Native Americans,
who warmed their buildings by orienting them towards the sun. Modern solar technologies have further
advanced this by providing solar power through the conversion of sunlight into electricity. These solar
cells that produce electricity, referred to as photovoltaic’s (PV), currently provide ~0.04% of the world’s
energy usage.
Figure 2; available solar energy greatly exceeds both potential wind
power and global energy consumption.
PV solar cells will only produce electricity when the sun is shinning. In a stand-alone system, batteries
are used to store the energy, thus providing un-interrupted service. Such small-scale PV systems can be
found in variety of places, such as on roads in construction signs, emergency phones, or flashing lights
for schools. In a grid-connected system the PV use an inverter to change the electricity to alternating
current (AC) and connect with the utility grid. If the PV is producing more electricity than the facility is
using, typically during the day, power goes out to the utility grid for others to use. When the
photovoltaics are not producing power, the house uses electricity from the utility grid. Energy created
from a PV system produces no pollution to make that electricity and once you have a system you never
have to pay for the electricity that it creates. However, the initial cost of the system can be rather
expensive.
Costs
The total cost of a system depends on how big it is and how much peak-power it produces. Typically, a
two-kilowatt system would produce enough power needed to run an average 2,000 square foot home.
Alternative Energy Systems Staff Report 3134
The purchase and installation of such a system would cost a Bozeman resident from $18,000 to $20,000.
In addition to this, a solar heating system could cost anywhere from $6,000 to $10,000.
Rebates & Incentives
The following rebates and incentives are currently available for installation of solar energy systems:
1) Northwestern Energy Universal System Benefits (USB) Program: This program, developed in
1997, annually collects about $8.6 million; of which, about $700,000 is used for renewable energy
projects. In 2006, NorthWestern Energy provided funding for approximately 50 renewable energy
projects for wind and solar systems for residents and businesses. Most of the projects included a
public education or demonstration component to increase awareness of renewable energy.
Incentives of $3.50/watt are offered for private solar PV installations up to a maximum of
$7,000 per customer;
2) Alternative Energy Systems Credit (State of Montana) is a tax credit against income tax liability
for the cost of purchasing and installing an energy system in a Montana resident's principal home
that uses (1) a recognized nonfossil form of energy such as, but not limited to, solar energy, wind
energy, solid waste, and organic waste or (2) a low emission wood or biomass combustion device
such as a pallet or wood stove. The credit cannot exceed $500 and any unused balance of the
credit can be carried forward and applied to future income tax liabilities for a period of four
succeeding tax years.
3) Residential Solar and Fuel Cell Tax Credit: The Energy Policy Act of 2005 established a 30% tax
credit up to $2,000 for the purchase and installation of residential solar electric and solar water
heating for a property. An individual can take both a 30% credit up to the $2,000 cap for a PV
system and a 30% credit up to a separate $2,000 cap for a solar water heating system.
For example, if you were to install a 2.45kw system on the roof of your home; this system would be
approximately 10 feet tall and 18 feet wide; under ideal conditions, would produce roughly 270kwhrs
(kilowatt hours) of energy a month (which for an average consumer in an average 2,000 square foot
home would constitute approximately 50%-80% of their electrical needs); and would cost the consumer
approximately $20,000. With the rebates & credits noted above, approximately $9,500 of this $20,000
would be refunded; thus, the final customer cost would be approximately $11,500. In addition, net
metering (excess energy produced by a photovoltaic system that’s put back into the grid and “credited”
to the producer) would produce further savings during peak production times.
WIND ENERGY SYSTEMS
Wind power is the conversion of wind energy into useful form, such as electricity, using wind turbines. At
the end of 2006, worldwide capacity of wind-power produced just over 1% of world-wide electricity use.
Globally, wind power generation more than quadrupled between 2000 and 2006. Wind power is produced in
large scale wind farms connected to electrical grids, as well as in individual turbines for providing electricity
to isolated locations. The advantage of wind energy, as with solar, is that it creates no pollution, uses an
abundant energy supply, is inexpensive, and ultimately reduces greenhouse gas emissions when it displaces
fossil-fuel derived electricity.
The urban environment has unique challenges to the development of wind energy systems. Wind profiles in
urban areas tend to be more turbulent and not along a single axis. The presence of buildings increases the
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turbulence of the flow and the wind flowing over the building is accelerated in the same manner that air is
when it flows over the top of an airplane wing. This also changes the direction of the flow from horizontal
to slightly upward. Aesthetics are a concern. Many people find the design of a conventional wind turbine
unattractive. There is concern for the safety of birds and other wildlife. To be effective, these systems must
be easy to integrate with the architecture of urban environments. The conventional horizontal axis wind
turbine does not integrate easily with architectural designs.
Micro-wind
Wind generation within the City of Bozeman would be classified as a “micro-wind” energy system. Micro
wind is generally used to describe a wind energy generator that could be purchased and used by a household
or business to provide or contribute to domestic or onsite electricity consumption. Such systems generally
produce less than 3.5 kilowatts; have a diameter of less than 13 feet; and a rotor area of less than 47 square
feet. Basically, the size and height of a micro-wind turbine could be compared to a short-wave radio antenna
or a telephone pole (~25’ tall).
The Technology
There are two main types of wind turbines; horizontal axis turbines and vertical axis turbines. They operate
on the same simple principle. The energy in the wind turns two or three propeller-like blades around a rotor.
The rotor is connected to the main shaft, which spins a generator to create electricity. Wind turbines are
mounted on a tower to capture the most energy. Wind turbines are generally most effective at 100 feet (30
meters) or more above ground, were they can take advantage of faster and less turbulent wind; however, as
discussed above, micro-wind turbines have been found to be effective as well.
Figure 3: Common wind turbine configurations
Horizontal Axis
Recently several companies have conducted research and development into making horizontal axis micro
wind turbines more efficient. There are several problems with these conventional systems: 1) they can be
noisy if not designed correctly, 2) they may pose a danger to birds and other wildlife, and 3) they do not
efficiently convert wind energy that is not parallel to the axis or is turbulent.
Alternative Energy Systems Staff Report 5136
Figures 4 and 5: Examples of micro-wind horizontal axis turbines in California. The turbines are elevated above the level of the roof to catch the
horizontal wind flow; however, these systems are not good at catching the accelerated wind flowing over the building.
It also uses minimal land area, because even though the wires holding up the tower go out a ways, all
the land underneath the tower can still be used for open space or yard areas. Disadvantages are that wind
can be very intermittent so you must store the energy somehow and many locations that have good wind are
hard to use such as ridgelines or mountaintops. In addition, some people don’t like to see wind turbines in
these natural locations and think they are a source of visual pollution, while others fear that birds will be
hurt by the blades.
Vertical Axis
Windside, a Finnish company, has recently developed some innovative vertical axis wind turbines that are
highly effective in urban environments. These turbines are very quiet, produce power at low wind speeds (5
mph) and are not harmful to birds and wildlife. The turbines respond to wind in all directions and are able
to handle turbulent and gusty wind conditions. Typical size for a turbine is 3 feet (1 meter) in diameter and
13 feet (4 meters) tall. These turbines, because of their unique vertical design, can be used in places not
previous considered for wind energy such as: 1) cell phone towers, 2) posts for street and traffic lights, 3)
flag poles, or 4) vertical columns in parks and landscaping. These turbines have been found to produce
~50% more electricity in a year than traditional horizontal axis models.
Figures 6 & 7: examples of vertical axis turbines in urban environments. Figure 8: Cottage in Finland Figure 9: Wind & Solar in Illinois
Alternative Energy Systems Staff Report 6137
Future turbine technology
AeroVironment, an innovate tech-company, has design architecturally integrated micro-wind systems.
These turbines have the advantage of being able to rotate and be pointed down; thus, enabling the system to
catch a variety of wind directions and accelerated wind as it passes over buildings. These turbines are 6 feet
in diameter and can generate up to 400 watts with ideal conditions.
Figure 10: roof-top system Figure 11: roof-top system capturing variety of wind directions
Aerotechture, a Chicago based tech-company, has recently developed turbines using light weight plastic
materials; thus, allowing the turbines to be horizontally or vertically strung together. These turbines
produce power at low speeds, generate very little noise and vibration, are generally safe for birds and
wildlife, and can withstand high wind velocities.
Figures 12: system atop a residential development in Chicago Figure 13: Schematic of roof-top system
Gallatin County wind
The economic viability of urban wind energy systems is dependent upon the price of the system, the cost of
electricity, and the local wind velocity. A large-scale wind facility generally requires average wind speed in
excess of 20 mph; which areas such as Livingston, Bozeman Pass and Springhill have. While a smaller
micro-wind size facility could be economically viable in an area with an average daily wind speed of as low
as 10 mph. Furthermore, the presence of topographical variations (i.e. buildings, walls, etc.) tends to
accelerate wind in urban environments; thus, slightly increasing wind speeds in dense urban areas. As seen in
the figure below, the potential for wind power varies greatly within Gallatin County. The Bozeman area
generally has an average daily wind velocity of 9-10mph. Furthermore, it has been noted and debated that
climate change has, and will continue, to increase winds speeds across many parts of Northern Rockies.
Alternative Energy Systems Staff Report 7138
Figure 14: Average annual potential wind power for Gallatin County, MT
Costs
The cost of wind turbines varies greatly; depending on the size and type of turbine, any site constraints, etc.
A horizontal axis micro-wind system could range in cost from $3,000 - $40,000. For example, a turbine that
could produce up to 1.5 kilowatts might cost around $6,000; while a turbine that could produce up to 20
kilowatts could cost up to $40,000. Vertical axis systems range anywhere from $8.00 - $10.00 per watt;
so a 1.5 kilowatt system might cost between $12,000 - $15,000.
Rebates & Incentives
The following rebates and incentives are currently available for installation of wind energy systems:
1) Northwestern Energy Universal System Benefits (USB) Program: This program, developed in
1997, annually collects about $8.6 million; of which, about $700,000 is used for renewable energy
projects. In 2006, NorthWestern Energy provided funding for approximately 50 renewable energy
projects for wind and solar systems for residents and businesses. Most of the projects included a
public education or demonstration component to increase awareness of renewable energy. The
incentive for wind is $2/watt to a maximum of $10,000 per customer.
2) Alternative Energy Systems Credit (State of Montana) is a tax credit against income tax
liability for the cost of purchasing and installing an energy system in a Montana resident's
principal home that uses (1) a recognized nonfossil form of energy such as, but not limited to,
solar energy, wind energy, solid waste, and organic waste or (2) a low emission wood or biomass
combustion device such as a pallet or wood stove. The credit cannot exceed $500 and any
unused balance of the credit can be carried forward and applied to future income tax liabilities
for a period of four succeeding tax years.
Alternative Energy Systems Staff Report 8139
BOZEMAN REGULATORY STANDARDS
Solar
Currently, through a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) and/or building permit, the City of Bozeman
does permit the installation and utilization of Photovoltaic (PV) systems. All PV systems are required to
comply with applicable regulatory standards, such as height limitations and setbacks. Furthermore, through
review of a COA, issues such as neighborhood compatibility, impacts to adjacent properties, impacts to
historic structures, setbacks, height, etc. are considered. COA’s are only required for properties located
within an entryway or historic overlay district. A building permit is required prior to the installation of any
PV system. From the Planning Department, a standard COA with a Building Permit for a PV system would
cost $100. The cost of a building permit is based on the valuation of the system; for example, a building
permit for a $10,000 system (materials & labor) would cost approximately $169 (which includes a $66.30
plan review fee & a $102.00 building permit fee).
The City of Bozeman Historic Preservation Officer finds that “PV systems can most certainly be allowed in
the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District if they do not damage significant historic fabric, and if
their design is compatible in size, scale, color, and material, and character of the property and historic
district if applicable. PV rooftop additions should be designed so that they are inconspicuous from the
public right-of-way, set back from the primary elevation of the building, and doesn’t damage character-
defining features of the historic building. If a building is determined to be too historically significant, so that
the installation of PV systems cause too much damage to character-defining features, then preservation staff
would encourage the installation of such systems on accessory structures (sheds, garages, etc.).”
Currently, there are over 350 “grid-tied” solar electric systems in Montana. The City of Bozeman Building
Division has permitted approximately 16 solar systems in the past 4 years.
Wind
Through interpretation of the City of Bozeman’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), the Planning
Director has found wind turbines to generally not be in compliance or permissible under current regulatory
standards. As seen below, this position seems to be consistent with other communities throughout the
region. Issues such as setback encroachments, height restrictions, view-sheds, and noise have been
considered throughout.
REGULATORY STANDARDS & PROGRAMS IN OTHER COMMUNITIES
1) BOULDER, COLORADO
A) SOLAR
The City of Boulder encourages the use of PV and solar-thermal systems
through a variety of ordinances, rebates, incentives, and energy credits. All systems
need to comply with zoning provisions related to setback & height standards. These
programs include:
1) Solar Rebate program: implemented by ordinance, the rebate is available to
residences or businesses who install photovoltaic or solar thermal systems in
the City of Boulder. Rebates are based on City of Boulder sales and use tax
Alternative Energy Systems Staff Report 9140
paid on any materials and/or permits necessary for the system. The rebate is
approximately 16% of the City taxes paid. A rebate application process has
been established through the office of Planning and Development Services.
2) Solar Ordinance: This ordinance establishes certain dimensional standards
and application procedures. Included in this ordinance are both language
and a procedural process that protects the degree that structures can shadow
and/or impact an adjacent property.
This document has been attached at the end of this report for your reference.
3) Solar Access Guide (or Solar Shadow Analysis): To supplement the
ordinance, this guide has been developed by the City of Boulder Building
Services Center; this user-friendly document details requirements for shadow
lengths, system siting in new construction, exemptions, etc.
This document has been attached at the end of this report for your reference.
4) Climate Action Plan (CAP): The Boulder City Council adopted a goal to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions in 2002 and in 2006 adopted the Climate
Action Plan (CAP) and CAP tax to fund implementation. The tax is
sometimes referred to as the carbon tax, and its passage by Boulder voters
garnered global recognition as Boulder was the first city to enact a carbon tax
to address climate change. Boulder County established environmental
sustainability goals in 2005 which include energy and greenhouse gas
emissions reduction targets which are funded through a dedicated tax. In
Boulder, the City’s Environmental Affairs office administers progress on the
implementation of this plan and provides a quarterly progress report and
greenhouse gas inventory to the City Council.
5) Climate Smart program: As a recommendation from the Climate Action
Plan, the Climate Smart program (and website; www.beclimatesmart.com)
was developed. Organized through collaboration between the City of
Boulder’s Office of Environmental Affairs, Boulder County, and other local
municipalities, this program focuses on helping individuals, families and
businesses increase their energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint.
The primary strategies are reducing energy use through conservation and
efficiency, increasing the use of renewable energy sources and reducing
emissions from transportation. ClimateSmart's energy and transportation
programs are designed to benefit residents and businesses throughout
Boulder County. Everything from calculating your carbon footprint,
information on available programs, examples of what other community
members are doing, to what you can do in your home is available on the
programs website. Furthermore, through this program, education and
outreach programs are occasionally offered to residents and businesses. The
program is administered by the City’s Environmental Affairs staff.
Alternative Energy Systems Staff Report 10141
B) WIND
Wind powered energy systems are permitted within the City of Boulder. They must
comply with all applicable regulatory standards, such as height and setbacks; no special
exceptions are granted for wind energy systems. Furthermore, ground-mounted
turbines are considered accessory structures and must comply with height regulations
and setbacks for accessory structures (20’ maximum height). Other concerns, such as
viewshed obstructions, noise, trees & shrubs that would limit the efficiency of wind
systems, etc. were discussed.
2) ASHLAND, OREGON
A) SOLAR
Residential and commercial utility customers are encouraged to participate in
programs that support clean, renewable energy. The City of Ashland encourages the use of
PV and solar-thermal systems through a variety of ordinances, rebates, incentives, and
energy credits. All systems need to comply with zoning provisions related to setback &
height standards. These programs include:
1) City of Ashland Conservation Division: The City of Ashland
Conservation Division was established more than 20 years ago and is
responsible for operating water, recycling, and air quality and energy
conservation programs. The Division works with the Ashland School
District, Southern Oregon University, Ashland businesses, and homeowners
to increase the efficiency of their resource usage. Through this program,
numerous rebates are available to City utility customers; these rebates include
appliance rebates (dishwasher, refrigerator, washing machines, furnaces, and
toilets). These rebates are available for all appliances that are of a Energy Star
or higher efficiency. The City of Ashland Conservation Division reviews the
rebate applications, does on-site inspections, and issues rebates based on the
rated efficiency.
Furthermore, this division offers a variety of home energy, water, and air
analysis’s. These are generally provided as a free service to City Utility
customers. A variety of other rebates are available through some of these
home analysis’s. For example, as part of an air quality analysis, the City of
Ashland will remove any woodstoves being utilized, and, provide a $50
rebate upon doing so. For more information, please visit the City of Ashland
Conservation Program website (www.ashland.or.us).
2) Solar Electric (PV) Rebate Program: This program is designed to
encourage Ashland citizens and businesses to invest in photovoltaic
generation installations by paying rebates for qualifying installations. Cash
incentives offered by the City of Ashland for grid-connected solar electric
systems are $2.25 per Watt of the system up to a maximum of $10,000 per
site. This rebate program is administered through the City of Ashland
Conservation Division.
Alternative Energy Systems Staff Report 11142
3) Ashland Renewable Pioneers Program: Ashland utility customers can
support clean, renewable energy by purchasing Green Tags, also known as
renewable energy certificates, from the Bonneville Environmental
Foundation (BEF), a regional non-profit organization that focuses on
developing renewable energy sources. Each time an Ashland resident buys
Green Tags, BEF will direct a portion of the purchase to local renewable
energy projects such as installation of solar electric systems. Each Green Tag
represents the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that occurs when clean
renewable energy replaces polluting energy sources. When you buy a Green
Tag, your money is used to support the production of electricity at wind and
solar facilities in Ashland and the Pacific Northwest. For example, there are
currently 5 wind co-op’s in Western Montana that have been supported
through the purchase of green tags (www.greentagsusa.org/renewables.com)
For more information on this program please visit their website at
www.GreenAshland.org.
B) WIND
In 2002, the City Council discussed the City’s potential to maximize their energy
independence by utilizing alternative energy sources. During this discussion, wind generation
was briefly discussed. It was concluded that larger wind generators need a constant supply
of wind energy at 20- 40 mph's; of which Ashland and the Rogue Valley do not have. The
potential for micro-wind turbines was not discussed. It appears no ordinances, regulations,
or otherwise have been discussed regarding wind turbines in Ashland.
3) FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
A) SOLAR
Fort Collins encourages the use of PV and solar-thermal systems through a variety of
ordinances and regulatory standards. All systems need to comply with zoning provisions
related to setback & height standards. These programs include:
1) Ordinance No. 44, 1984: This ordinance amended certain sections of zoning
and subdivision regulations to eliminate possible barriers to solar energy
utilization. These amendments included provisions for solar energy systems in
sections regarding setbacks, height limitations, accessory structures, and review
processes.
This document has been attached at the end of this report for your reference.
2) Green Energy Program: Residents and businesses in Fort Collins can purchase
clean, renewable energy for an additional 1 cent per kilowatt-hour (kWh).* This
option is for customers who are willing to pay a little more for their electricity to
guarantee that it comes from the cleanest sources available.
3) Land Use Code Section 3.2.3 Solar Access, Orientation, Shading: This
section of the land use code sets standards for the use of both active and passive
solar energy systems. It’s applicable to all residences and businesses in the City,
as long as natural topography, soil or other subsurface conditions or other
Alternative Energy Systems Staff Report 12143
natural conditions of the site are preserved. Examples of these standards
include: 1) that at-least 65% of lots less than 15,000 square feet in area in single-
and two-family residential developments must conform to the definition of a
“solar-oriented lot”; 2) the elements of a development plan must be located and
designed to protect access to sunshine for planned and/or future solar energy
systems; and 3) the physical elements of a development plan shall be located and
designed so as not to cast a shadow onto adjacent properties, with exceptions.
Please find a copy of the exact language found in this land use code attached at
the end of this report for your reference.
This document has been attached at the end of this report for your reference.
B) WIND
1) Wind Power Pilot Program: Started in 1997, this city-initiated program
(provided by Fort Collins Utilities) offered customers the opportunity to
subscribe to wind power for an additional $0.02/kWh, or an estimated average
increase of $12/month on utility bills. Through the initial subscription
program, over 600 residential customers and 13 commercial customers signed
up to buy all their electrical power from wind. From these subscriptions, two
600 kW and one 65 kW turbines were installed at the Medicine Bow, Wyoming
wind farm. As phase II of this program, in 1999, the Fort Collins Utility
committed to adding 2.5 more turbines to the existing two turbines at the wind
farm site.
4) MONTANA COMMUNITIES
A) KALISPELL
The City of Kalispell permits both roof-and ground-mounted solar panels. Roof-
mounted systems must not exceed the standard height limitations and ground-
mounted systems must be located exclusive of required setbacks. Wind energy
systems are addressed similarly; turbines are limited by the height of the zone and are
treated as structures with regard to setbacks. No municipal incentive and/or rebate
programs exist.
Furthermore, the City of Kalispell Planning Department noted that wind & solar
systems are more of a non-issue in NW Montana than compared to other regions.
The lack of consistent sun and relatively calm wind patterns generally do not make
such systems economically feasible in NW Montana.
B) WHITEFISH
Currently, the City of Whitefish has no regulatory standards or municipal
incentive/rebate programs relating to wind or solar systems. Current code has
permitted solar systems; just like Bozeman, these systems are required to comply
with zoning standards for setbacks, height, etc. Wind energy systems have not been
considered and/or addressed.
Alternative Energy Systems Staff Report 13144
As noted in Kalispell, wind & solar systems are more of a non-issue in NW Montana
than compared to other regions. The lack of consistent sun and relatively calm wind
patterns generally do not make such systems economically feasible in NW Montana.
C) MISSOULA
Attempts at contacting officials from the City of Missoula were unsuccessful;
however, in reviewing both the City’s zoning code and website, it appears that no
specific regulations regarding solar or wind facilities exist.
SUMMARY
As discussed, numerous communities have taken steps to encourage the use of alternative energy systems.
Many of the ordinances and regulations noted in this report, from comparable communities, could be
applied & implemented in the City of Bozeman. The City of Bozeman Planning Department is open to
suggestions from the City Commission regarding; and, if so desired, the Planning Department is prepared to
draft ordinances and/or resolutions regarding.
Alternative Energy Systems Staff Report 14145
SOURCES
1. “North Carolina Solar Center.” Renewable Energy Incentives. North Carolina Solar Center Online. College
of Engineering, North Carolina State University. 2007. North Carolina Solar Center.
http://www.ncsc.ncsu.edu/information_resources/renewable_energy_incentives.cfm
2. “MT Climate Change Advisory Committee”. Final Report of the CCAC. Dept. of Environmental Quality.
November 9, 2007. http://www.mtclimatechange.us/CCAC.cfm
3. “Bozeman Climate Protection Task Force”. City of Bozeman.
http://www.bozeman.net/commission/u_s_mayors_mayors_climate_protection_agreement_task_force.asp
x
4. “City of Fort Collins Colorado”. 'Greening' Your Home: Reducing Your Environmental Footprint. Fort Collins
Utilities, Natural Resources, Transportation and City Manager’s Office.
http://www.fcgov.com/utilities/eps.php
5. “City of Boulder Colorado”. Energy and Climate Change Portal. City of Boulder's Office of Environmental
Affairs. http://www.ci.boulder.co.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1058&Itemid=396
6. “City of Ashland Oregon”. Discussion of the potential to maximize the City's energy independence by utilizing
alternative energy sources. 2002. City of Ashland Electric and Telecommunication Departments.
http://www.ashland.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=973\
7. “Wikipedia.” Wikipedia Online. 2007. Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternative_Energy
8. “Bellingham Environmental Learning Center Solar Project”. Setting a National Example for Sustainability.
October 30, 2007. City of Bellingham, Puget Sound Energy, The Bonneville Environmental Foundation,
Sustainable Connections. http://www.sconnect.org/energy/energy/solardemo/document_view
9. “DSIRE”. Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency. 1995.
http://www.ncsc.ncsu.edu/information_resources/renewable_energy_incentives.cfm
10. “NRIS”. Natural Resource Information System. April 19, 2007. Forest Service.
http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/nris/
11. “GreenBuilding.com”. Everything You Want to Know and More About Green Building. 2005.
GreenBuilding.com.http://greenbuilding.com/
12. “bwea.com”. 2007. BWEA.. http://bwea.com/
13. “UC Davis Extension Service”. Green Building and Sustainable Design. 2006. University of California.
http://extension.ucdavis.edu/unit/green_building_and_sustainable_design/
14. “Aerotecture”. Aertecture International, Inc. 2007. http://www.aerotecture.com/
15. “AeroVironment”. AeroVironment, Inc. 2007. http://www.avinc.com/
Alternative Energy Systems Staff Report 15146
16. “Windside”. Wind Energy Solutions for Extreme Conditions. 2006. Oy Windside Production Ltd.
http://www.windside.com/
17. Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF), https://www.greentagsusa.org/renewables/index.shtm
18. City of Kalispell Planning Department
19. City of Whitefish Planning Department
20. Sage Mountain Center, http://www.sagemountain.org/
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