Two years after winning an initial federal grant for the Solar Salt Lake Project, Salt Lake City and its energy partners have been approved for Phase II: Special Projects funding from the United States Department of Energy Solar America Cities. “The Department of Energy recognizes the important role of local governments in overcoming barriers to widespread solar energy use. Through these Special Projects, the Solar America Cities will develop innovative ways of integrating solar energy into their communities, and those strategies can then be replicated across the Nation" said JoAnn Milliken, U.S Department of Energy’s Solar Program Manager.

The Department of Energy has awarded $10M through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for 40 new Solar America Cities Special Projects in 16 cities. This funding will enable the cities to increase solar energy use in their communities through innovative programs and policies that can then be replicated across the nation.

The Solar Salt Lake Project will focus on developing innovative financing mechanisms and addressing regulatory barriers to solar. Phase II of the Solar Salt Lake Project is a collaborative effort by Salt Lake City and its partner agencies; Salt Lake County, Utah Clean Energy, Utah State Energy Program, Kennecott Land Company, the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Ballard Spahr, and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.

“Salt Lake City is proud to be selected as one of the key U.S. cities leading the charge to remove barriers for solar energy use,” commented Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker. “Our residents will reap the benefits, in accessibility and affordability, derived from the work of the Solar Salt Lake Project.”

“This grant is yet another step towards our long-range goal of bringing widespread solar energy to the Wasatch Front,” said Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon, “We are thrilled to participate in a collaborative partnership that will influence solar technology deployment here in Utah, and across the Nation.”

Utah Clean Energy, a non-profit organization, has been working for years to increase the adoption of solar energy across the state and commends the City and County for all their efforts thus far to spur the solar energy market. “Utah Clean Energy is honored to have the opportunity to partner with Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County on this important project, and we look forward to continuing our collective efforts to generate real solar energy solutions,” says Sara Baldwin, Senior Policy & Regulatory Associate with Utah Clean Energy.

Solar America Cities is a U.S. Department of Energy Program to increase the use and integration of solar energy in communities across the nation. For further information visit: www.solaramericacities.energy.gov.