03-13-17 Zoning and Annexation - Laserfiche WebLink

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go solar. It specifically inspires local communities to target `soft costs,' which will be discussed in more depth later on in the presentation. The technical assistance piece places me in three (3) communities and they are South Bend, Goshen and Nappanee. I will be here for six(6) months, full-time, at no cost to any of the communities. The communities have an opportunity to receive bronze, silver, or gold recognition, all of which are promoted nationally. South Bend also has the opportunity to be the first community in Indiana to be designated, if Goshen doesn't get there first. This program is funded by the US Department of Energy SunShot Initiative. One of the common misconceptions is the lack of solar ability here in Indiana. According to the map on the presentation, Indiana receives more solar coverage than Germany, and Germany has the most solar power per capita in the world. Another important piece is the cost. The cost has dropped another forty-three percent (43%) in the last five (5)years alone, making it very competitive with other energy sources. It is time to think a little more seriously about solar energy. The soft costs of the program is anything that isn't hardware, so examples are permitting, inspection, zoning, financing, customer acquisition, installation, labor and market development. Each one of these can be influenced by local governments. Cost is the number one issue that faces the solar energy avenue because the brunt of the cost is upfront. Bringing down that upfront cost is what focusing on the soft costs will accomplish. Local governments have a large role to play, soft costs are what inhibit the growth of this energy source, and there is a lot of room for improvement. Stakeholder input is key. Committee Chair Davis opened the floor to questions from the Committee and members of the Council. Councilmember White asked, Why South Bend and these three (3) cities? Ms. Thill answered, Bloomington has the most solar energy per capita in Indiana but they have a non-profit third party working for them. South Bend doesn't have that and you are the next natural area to do solar in Indiana. Getting ahead of the curve is the goal here. Councilmember Tim Scott stated, I work in Goshen and we have a 300,000 square foot roof and we are seeing what we could do with that. This is really interesting. With no other business, Committee Chair Davis adjourned the Zoning and Annexation i e at • m. lly S mitted, vis, Committee Chair 4