The Impact of Public and Private Partnerships on Supporting Renewable
Energy
A study and analysis of the Recovery and Reinvestment Acts contribution to a local government
facility.
A research project submitted to the Urban Studies and Planning Program
Senior Sequence Class of 2009-2010
February 26th 2010
Hyacinthe A. Coulibaly
University of California, San Diego
Urban Studies and Planning Program
hacoulib@ucsd.edu
Abstract
The Recovery and Reinvestment Act is important to the foundation for the ongoing partner
between public and private agencies to promote renewable solar energy. This case study
aims to evaluate the Recovery and Reinvestment Acts contribution to renewable solar
energy on (ASW NAVFAC) Anti-Submarine Warfare Naval Facilities Engineering
Command Southwest base, a local government facility. This study exposes an essential
partnership between public and private entities in San Diego, responsible for creating
renewable energy incentives that promote efforts to reduce America’s dependency on
foreign oil. The Recovery and Reinvestment Act has effectively actualized tax credit
programs, contributed to the growth of San Diego’s green industry, and allowed for the
diversification of essential energy resources. This study proves that the Recovery and
Reinvestment Act has provided job creation in both public and private industries as well as
sparked new economic benefits for sustainable energy systems that will catalyze
technological improvements for solar electric energy systems in the future.
Key words: Recovery and Reinvestment Act, public and private partnerships, future investments,
green industry
1
Introduction
The Recovery and Reinvestment Act (RRA) has provided a new way for America to tap
into a renewable alternative power supply. It is increasingly clear that the United States does not
posses t capabilities of self producing substantial amounts of clean energy. The (RRA) allows for
clean renewable energy to reduce America’s dependency on foreign oil. Solar energy resources
inevitably must contain renewable initiatives to take the place of Americas ‘status quo’, outdated
power infrastructure. While the mass scale implementation of solar electric systems would
diminish the demand for obsolete fossil-fuel plants, the (RRA) sparks new public and private
collaboration enabling America to evolve into an environmentally sustainable nation free from
dependency on another nation’s energy resource. A solar photovoltaic (PV) electric system can
supply residential, commercial and industrial units with safe, renewable electricity, to save money
and offset the increased demand for fossil fuels.
(ASW NAVFAC) Anti-Submarine Warfare Naval Facilities Engineering Command
Southwest base is located on a government facility that I extensively examined. At the Navy
submarine base there were various opportunities provided to survey multiple buildings, exclusively
building fifty located at the North West end of the submarine base in the appendix in (Figure 1).
The private binary agencies affiliated with this multi million dollar project are Synergy Electric
and Borrego Solar Inc. The government profoundly relied on outside contractors for the primary
labor and construction of solar (PV) panels. These two private companies provide similar
installation; their initiatives were aimed at improving new roofs and implementing renewable solar
equipment in order to provide an alternative power supply.
The materials and equipment were transferred from various installations to assist in the
construction costs. This paper shows how renewable solar systems have been promoted to provide
The Impact of Public and Private Partnerships on Supporting Renewable Energy
2
the private industries with a spark of collaboration improving government facilities. This will
demonstrate the beneficial uses that solar energy can have when substantive programs are
implemented. This study is the embodiment of collective knowledge contributing to the literature
on Incentives for Renewable Energy and the ongoing partnership with those public and private
agencies that have been developed to promote sustainable solar energy.
The (RRA) purpose is to “Spur economic activity and invest in long-term economic
growth” (Recovery and Reinvestment Act, 2009). (RRA) funds would effectively promote
renewable energy projects that are currently being utilized for residential, commercial, and
industry facilities to remove America’s reliance on fossil fuels. The acquisition assistance awards
the process that invokes direct participation and a capitalistic drive for cost-shared research that
enticed the federal government to offer tax incentives to promote businesses economic
development. These tax incentives are instrumental in evolving reliable energy efficient products
to a consumer base committed to (PV) energy. Resources regarding these opportunities are
established through tax incentive programs.
Last year there were two billion dollars worth of federal funding dollars awarded to various
industries, both public and private from the office of energy efficiency and renewable energy
(United States Department of Labor, 2009). Competitive grants are the most common type of
financial assistance that is awarded by the energy efficiency and renewable energy commission
(Recovery and Reinvestment Act, 2009). Competitive grants are an important reason explaining
the financial assistance process. Through federal government funding for energy efficiency and
renewable energy financial assistance awards are authorized by the U.S. Congressional
appropriations committee (Recovery and Reinvestment Act, 2009). After the budget is determined
by the Department of Energy they will eventually ensure all funds are available for the energy
The Impact of Public and Private Partnerships on Supporting Renewable Energy
3
efficiency and renewable energy financial awards, after such time the funds are disbursed
(Recovery and Reinvestment Act, 2009).
In exploring the (RRA) contributions to sustainable solar energy at a local government
facility I found a crucial relationship between public policy and the implementation of solar
energy. I found that remaining environmentally sustainable is built on political will and a forceful
departure from fossil fuels. While this study seeks to understand the fundamental relationship
derived from public policy, the federal government provides many subsidies for green solar
industries. The procurement of grants as well as tax incentives by the state and the federal
government are just one of the ways funds are disbursed to promote renewable solar energy. A
decentralized solar electric system can supply most classifications of units with safe, renewable
electricity, to halt our reliance on fossil fuels and to ensure America’s power infrastructure for
decades to come.
The Recovery and Reinvestment Acts impression of promoting renewable solar energy
The pursuit of sustainable infrastructure has many physical, social, and political
dimensions. There are both physical and political constraints in producing adequate solar power to
eliminate America’s dependence on foreign energy. The problem cannot be solved only by
enacting economic tax incentives. A financial initiative alone cannot effectively provide a
breakthrough in renewable energy businesses. There are various incentives that are not financially
driven that have voluminous effects on solar renewable energy technologies.
The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy is currently building technologies
as well as implementing essential resources to establish financial incentives for energy efficiency
purposes (Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, 2009). “The California State
The Impact of Public and Private Partnerships on Supporting Renewable Energy
4
Energy Sector Partnership and provides training grants that are designed to teach workers the skills
required in emerging industries, including energy efficiency and renewable energy. This set of
green grants is the third awarded used. (The U.S. Department of Labor, 2009). “Less than a month
into 2010, the department's investment in this growing area of the job marketplace is close to the
440 million dollar mark. ETA News Release: 01/20/2010” (United States Department of Labor,
2010). By tapping into an alternative power supply the State Energy Sector is contributed to the
growth of San Diego’s green industries, and allowing for the diversification of essential energy
resources. The case study at (ASW NAVFAC) Anti-Submarine Warfare Naval Facilities
Engineering Command Southwest addresses a tremendously evolving need across the country for
demand of renewable power resource.
The Recovery and Reinvestment Acts impact in promoting sustainable solar energy at the
local government facility “addressed the need for new and improved roofs, but in addition to
simultaneously provide a vehicle for tapping into alternative power supply” (Navy News Stand
2009). The (RRA) provides a way for the Department of Defense to form private partnerships with
organizations that develop renewable solar energy. (RRA) Federally funded dollars are creating
jobs for the hard hit construction industry, public organizations subcontract labor to various
companies. Solar (PV) panels bear a thirty year lifetime that generate solar electricity and produce
an added economic investment that promotes jobs as well as diverse energy. Renewable energy
systems like solar energy provided an alluring financial and environmental savings for (ASW)
base.
Based upon the evidence that the (RRA) has created an environmental policy that has
contributed to the effective implementation of solar systems sprawling financial benefits as well as
increasing the regions economic diversity. There remain numerous dilemmas and barriers for the
The Impact of Public and Private Partnerships on Supporting Renewable Energy
5
(RRA). One dilemma is the ongoing speculation about the actual contribution the (RRA) has on
the growth of San Diego’s green industries. According to the San Diego based company Borrego
Solar Inc, during the past five years the private solar installation company recorded at least “a
hundred percent revenue growth each year for five consecutive years” (Borrego Solar Inc, 2009)
This public and private relationship allowed for the diversification of essential energy resources,
and the incentive for the Department of Defense to implement solar panels.
The (RRA) provides renewable energy tax credits, to motivate economic growth which has
incentivized solar energy. "These grants will help workers gain access to good jobs, while
supporting the sort of statewide energy efficiency strategies that play a crucial role in building the
green economy of the 21st century," Secretary Solis (United States Department of Labor, 2009).
The Department of Defense is continuing national effort to address environmental issues in the San
Diego region by joining with a local private organization to provide an alternative power supply.
The current literature on the incentives of promoting renewable energy are not concerned whether
sustainable efforts can be implemented, but are interested in how sustainable programs are being
enforced, and if the (RRA) can seriously reduce America’s dependency on foreign oil. Worthwhile
effects in the literature are categorized as contributing to the realization of solar units on a mass
scale, which increases research in sustainable technologies as well as decreases the overall price
for (PV) systems (Everett, 2005).
The way in which sustainable technologies stimulate development will furthermore
determine the caliber to which solar programs reduce barriers to implement installments. It is
increasingly clear that there is a crisis in the region of southern California, which is the inability to
self produce reliable sustainable energy. The (RRA) includes renewable initiatives to take the
place of an outdated local and regional power infrastructure. It is predicted that infrastructure
The Impact of Public and Private Partnerships on Supporting Renewable Energy
6
needs in the United States have to be extended by fifty percent in forty years in order for the
United States to spur economic growth (Connecting to the Grid, 2005). The partnering experience
between public and private spheres is allowing San Diego to be at the forefront in attaining the
capacity to yield significant amounts of renewable energy sources from (PV) systems.
Public and Private Interconnectivity
This study demonstrates how the federal government as well as many local municipalities
have been able to form lucrative partnership to utilize the (RRA), and employ theories found
within the academic world to help solve real world climate change problems in the San Diego.
Policy makers have provided the foundation in developing a policy that explores new ways to
address key energy needs that surrounds the United States. The (RRA) promotes decentralized
economic interconnection that furthers the federal government’s administration policy of
modernizing our nation’s electric grid. Utility interconnections can be accomplished by providing
interconnectivity between generators, utilities, and energy station to maximize the flow to all grids.
(United States Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, 2009)
(ASW) Anti-submarine Warfare base is energizing San Diego’s local economy. This case
study shows how the (RRA) has promoted clean renewable infrastructures that demonstrate green
environmentally friendly planning methods for future urban growth. These techniques that are
being implemented in federal workplaces will soon be implemented in many municipalities across
the county; most must be changed to allow excess electricity to run back into San Diego’s power
grid. The ongoing literature highlights the importance of interdisciplinary practices that need to be
brought together to help the public realize the undesirable effects of Americas current power
The Impact of Public and Private Partnerships on Supporting Renewable Energy
7
infrastructure (Database of State Incentives for Renewable Efficiency, 2009). Fossil fuels have
been used as a source of energy over two hundred years.
The Industrial Revolution gave rise to the mass usage of fossil fuels because of those fuels
are relatively easy to use and are capable of generating cheap energy. Fossil fuels only require
simple direct combustion to generate a large amount of energy. There are many problems with
fossil fuels; the most prevalent are their environmental impacts (U.S. Energy Information
Administration, 2006). Their excavation from the ground no only significantly alters the
environment, but fossil fuels continued use and combustion leads to an extensive amount of air
pollution. Scientists from the (EPA) believe that global warming is caused by the greenhouse
effect, where greenhouse gases are trapped by the ozone layer (EPA, 2009). The greenhouse effect
can be described as an amalgamation of carbon dioxide in our earth's atmosphere.
The potential dangers of global warming are the melting of polar ice caps at the north and
south poles. There is supposed to be a relatively even recycling of carbon dioxide and oxygen, and
the first step to reversing that uneven trend would be to create sustainable energy systems (U.S.
Energy Information Administration, 2006). The (RRA) targets buildings that produce a
disproportionate amount of carbon dioxide in the air, that are responsible for the unbalance that
will eventually slowly destroy human settlements. Wind energy is another way the (RRA) uses
clean energy to produced renewable (PV) energy systems. Fossil fuels are excellent sources of
energy for transportation needs; however they are not a suitable resource for the future.
Coal power plants account for sixty percent of our America’s energy and fifty two percent
of the world's demand (U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2006). Coal power plants carbon
and create energy that is then transferred as electricity to power homes in new urban areas.
Incentives examined by the (RRA) are only concerned whether sustainable efforts are
The Impact of Public and Private Partnerships on Supporting Renewable Energy
8
implemented, the prevailing government is having the desirable effect of promoting a renewable
power infrastructure (Case Studies of Interconnection Barriers and their Impact on Distributed
Power Projects, 2000). A renewable power infrastructure contributes to a realization that
collaboration with public and private organizations are partnering in order to increase research in
sustainable technologies, as well as a decrease in overall price for (PV) solar electric systems
(Everett, 2005).
The production incentives from the (RRA) provide cash payments based on the number of
kilowatt-hours (kWh) the renewable energy system generates. To ensure project quality, and
customer satisfaction payments are based on a system’s actual performance that are generally more
effective than payments based on a system’s rated capacity (Case Studies of Interconnection
Barriers and their Impact on Distributed Power Projects, 2000). The (RRA) has concurrently
produced production incentives that are known as performance based incentives in order to supply
power to seven other buildings at (ASW) base and send excess electricity back into the power grid.
Polluted air particles can be deadly; they are the most common byproduct from the burning of
fossil fuels.
It is predicted that future infrastructure needs in the United States have to be extended by
fifty percent in forty years in order increase economic activity. The University of California San
Diego is at the forefront in attaining the capacity to yield considerable amounts of energy from
renewable sources. Most recently, Borrego installed a 1.2-megawatt solar (PV) electric system at
The University of California San Diego. (RRA) is requires all organizations to work together to
rebuild our great nation. My project takes place at the (ASW) Naval Mine and Anti-submarine
Warfare base, this demonstrates how the Department of Defense has collaborated with two
powerful solar electric companies in order to revitalize San Diego’s local economy and create
The Impact of Public and Private Partnerships on Supporting Renewable Energy
9
green jobs. Until the United States capitalizes on the potential renewable solar energy creates, the
United States with continue to place orders for oil barrels in Saudi Arabia. (World Resources
Institute, 2005)
A partnership uniting the Department of Defense, Borrego Solar, and Synergy Electric
“The sales team has been very successful in signing contracts for the
installation, design and construction of rooftop solar systems for homes,
businesses and government clients, and noted the greening of construction
during the past few years.
-Mike Hall, president of Borrego Solar Systems
2008
Borrego Solar Inc. revenues have grown 340.9% from 2005-2007 (Borrego Solar Systems,
2008). These facts are exacerbated by the present opportunity to install solar systems for homes,
businesses and government clients. The (RRA) is providing essential infrastructure for tomorrow’s
energy economy. The Department of Defense and Borrego Solar have created jobs while
remaining environmental friendly to pursue local green growth opportunities. Solar electricity has
had the capacity to supply housing units with safe, sustainable electricity, to save money and
combat energy shortages. (PV) solar panels are a suitable investment because they have a thirty
year lifetime that enables solar electric systems to be reliable systems for future economic growth.
Rebate programs covered by the (RRA) have attracted commercial and private investors
that promote solar energy solutions, and contribute to reducing carbon San Diego’s carbon
emissions. Depending on the size, a business usually qualifies for an Expected Performance Based
Buy down, or a Performance Based Incentive rebate. These are rebates that cover twenty to thirty
percent of a solar unit’s price (Borrego Solar Inc, 2009). A solar (PV) power generated system
completed on top of building fifty typically would yields a return of investment between 7%-11%
The Impact of Public and Private Partnerships on Supporting Renewable Energy 10
as forecast of utility rates increase compensation rate will also increase for solar renewable energy.
The exact payback period is the amalgamation of a unit’s electrical power management, and the
total cost of a (PV) powered system.
The partnership between public and private organizations should concern every San
Dieagan because the (RRA) is effectively promoting an up-to-date utility power infrastructure
supported by both local green businesses. A discussion has been raised on utility support
recommendations and incentives that promote utility interconnectivity (Everett, 2005). The (RRA)
has sparked a new academic debate about San Diego’s power infrastructure, because the (RRA)
will contribute to the production of a new renewable power grid. The (RRA) supplies power to
outdated buildings while remaining environmental friendly to pursue local green growth
opportunities for local communities. The (PV) solar electricity panels have the capacity to supply
housing units with safe, sustainable electricity, to combat energy shortages. (PV) solar panels have
a thirty year lifetime warranty that enables solar electric systems to be worthwhile investments for
the future (Borrego Solar, 2009).
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) affirms, by "Using solar energy to replace
the use of traditional fossil fuel energy sources can prevent the release of pollutants into the
atmosphere."(EPA, 2009) The (EPA) provides grants to clean up and enact recovery, they play an
instrumental role in regulating the green business sectors funding for sustainable infrastructure. At
the state level, the California Energy Commission and the California Public Utilities Commission
administered the programs that provide rebates to allow the Department of Defense to pay for
thirty to thirty five percent of the installation cost of (PV) solar panels. The current literature on
fossil fuel energy demonstrates how that by using cleaner energy resources, it will create a
conducive clean urban environment that fosters job creation and added energy to California’s
The Impact of Public and Private Partnerships on Supporting Renewable Energy 11
electrical grid (California Department of Public Utilities, 2009) By following this model, there will
inevitably be a decrease in usage of fossil fuel plants by installing solar (PV) power systems.
Borrego Solar and Synergy Electric Inc. are the private companies that have partnered with
public institutions to support renewable energy resources by creating local jobs and opportunities,
and literally energizing the local energy power infrastructure. Since the utility power infrastructure
has not yet been set up to support a national initiative, the (RRA) has replaced the ambitions of
local governments to supply San Diego with clean renewable energy. “Synergy Electric Company,
Inc., of Santee, Calif., a 4.16 million dollar (RRA) funded contract on June 29th 2009, to install
roof mounted solar photovoltaic power systems (SPVPS) on seven buildings at Naval Base Point
Loma in San Diego” (Navy News Stand, 2009). This article address the need for future
diversification of energy resources in America by improved the insulation on roofs, and installing
roof mounted solar (PV) power systems. Slowly but surely the Department of Defense is
contributing to the reduction of America's carbon footprint.
Research Design/ Methods
Research in this study is designed to answer two primary questions: 1) Has the (RRA)
Recovery and Reinvestment act built or strengthened partnerships dedicated to building renewable
energy resources? and 2) If so how have public and private partnerships impacted the strategic
planning and implementation efforts in administering renewable (PV) solar energy. To answer my
first question my research focuses on the (RRA) ability to educate, train and support renewable
services that promote the labor of skilled workers to attainment a career pathway into employment
in green industries. This allows for an accurate assessment of the (RRA) impact on renewable
energy systems. Interviews and written testimonials helped in exploring the important aspect that
The Impact of Public and Private Partnerships on Supporting Renewable Energy 12
target recovery in the green industry. An interview with Halston Rove from Borrego Solar Inc, and
Lonnie Thorpe from Synergy Inc helped show the impacts of partnerships other agencies that have
received (RRA) funds. “For every thirty six jobs that are directly supported by the military, the
gross regional product (GRP) rises by one million” (U.S Department of Labor, 2009). Synergy
Electric has a 4.16 million dollar contract at (ASW) Naval Base Point Loma Naval Mine Antisubmarine Warfare base.
The conceptual argument being dealt with in this study of the ongoing transform from an
outdated power system to support the implementing of a statewide renewable energy grid in order
to reduce America's carbon footprint. This study has looked at the development of (PV) solar
electric systems and analyzed the extent to which economic and environmental goals are being
impacted by public and private corporations. In order to measure the impact of the impact of the
(RRA), the many economic opportunities were assessed. The (EPA) as well as the California
Energy Commission, and the California Public Utilities Commission are just a few agencies that
have created a partnership with public and private companies in order to partner and build a clean
energy workforce. The social partnership between public and private corporations will ensure that
(PV) systems will continue to employ and target green growth opportunities. (PV) systems can
explicitly enhance the transfer of knowledge amongst the science community and the cities
government to create an improved urban environment.
Policies that promote solar energy are directly associated with environmental policy
initiatives that are being enacted because of ozone layer depletion. There are many economic
benefits involved when actualizing sustainable energy system in urban enters. This case study
demonstrates how to institute detailed change to create effective environmental policy initiatives.
The (RRA) enables public and private entities to support a lucrative untapped environmental
The Impact of Public and Private Partnerships on Supporting Renewable Energy 13
policy that promotes sustainable energy system and allows for positive economic impacts within
the city of San Diego. Borrego Solar calculates the return of investments by how much an
individual business can save over a thirty year life time. “Homeowners can claim a two thousand
dollar federal tax credit, and businesses can claim a thirty percent tax credit the first year”
(Borrego Solar Inc 2009). While the interest of the growth in the green industry is greatly
benefiting local firms, the (RRA) has allowed for the Department of Defense to create jobs.
“The military's presence further creates numerous secondary jobs resulting from not only
contracts with local private sector firms, but the dollars resulting from spending by military
personnel and base expenditures.”(The United States Department of Labor, 2010) Rebate
programs attract commercial and private investors that want to invest in solar (PV) energy
systems, and contribute to reducing carbon emissions. Rebates were incentivized to cover twenty
to thirty percent of a solar unit’s
price. The solar generated system
completed on top of building
fifty at (ASW) base (Figure 1) on
the left shows the location of the
solar energy systems that
typically yields a return of
investment between seven to
eleven percent as forecasted of
the utility rates.
(Figure 2) :( ASW) Base
The Impact of Public and Private Partnerships on Supporting Renewable Energy 14
Compensation rates will also increase the demand for new renewable solar energy systems. The
exact payback period is the amalgamation of a units’ electrical management, and the cost of the
system.
Infrastructure changes will aid in San Diego’s accessibility to produce pure local green
energy incentives. Moreover the (RRA) tax initiatives have the potential to create more jobs and
increase the city of San Diego’s revenue while adopting a sustainable methodology for future
urban planning projects. (PV) solar electric systems debilitate energy demand on existent fossilfuel plants, and in turn diminish CO2 pollutants from spoiling the local environment. Solar panels
are contributing significantly to the University of California at San Diego’s comprehensive
sustainable energy objective. “The university has committed to becoming climate neutral by 2020.
Thus far, UC San Diego has reduced emissions by twenty percent since 2006”. (The Sustainable
Endowments Institute). When solar energy is utilized it aids in diminishing local emissions as well
as mitigating local power demands.
Infrastructure changes will aide in developing the region’s accessibility to pure locally
produced green energy. The (RRA) is an ongoing initiative that has created jobs and surplus
revenues while advocating for a sustainable local power infrastructure. The existent economic
downturn has exacerbated presented favorable circumstances to pursue local green growth systems
because incentives are more affordable than ever. America’s lack of innovation has been the
reason why America’s local, and regional economies have seen a dramatic decline in revenues”.
(The Sustainable Endowments Institute, 2008) The case for new infrastructure is not only a
necessity for future generations to solve, but now a matter of this generation to continue to try and
solve climate issues.
The Impact of Public and Private Partnerships on Supporting Renewable Energy 15
Findings at Navy base Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW)
Navy base (ASW) Anti Submarine Warfare base is located in Point Loma San Diego on
harbor drive. In order to examine the environmental and economic benefits of solar (PV) energy a
top secret clearance was obtained to work with Synergy Inc at building fifty (Figure 2) below.
This study highlights the impact
the (RRA) has had on both
environmental and economic
agencies at the (ASW) base. I had
the pleasure of working with some
of the brightest of individuals in
the solar construction industry.
They mainly facilitated the
installing of renewable solar
(Figure 1) Building 50 at (ASW) base
systems.
I extensively interview two projects managers at Synergy Inc, and Borrego Solar Inc.
These interviews were done with professional persons with knowledgeable information on the
environmental and economic benefits of implementing solar (PV) energy. This was achieved in
order to understand the different perspectives that came together to reach a policy consensus and to
support a renewable energy partnership between public and private organizations. The first person
I interviewed was Lonnie Thorpe, an individual who works within the field of installing renewable
The Impact of Public and Private Partnerships on Supporting Renewable Energy 16
solar (PV) energy systems. He is directly responsible for installing and implementing renewable
(PV) solar systems at (ASW) base.
Interviews with Lonnie Thorpe contributed significantly, information gathered showed how
the construction industry approached implementing sustainable (PV) energy systems. The (RRA)
through various incentive strategies, has contributed to the collaboration to support renewable
energy construction that is essential to the development of renewable energy utilities as well as
actualizing a national renewable energy power grid. The analysis of primary documents and
transcripts provided by Synergy and Borrego Solar Inc supports the claim by the (RRA), playing a
pivotal role in allowing for the collaboration between public and private organizations to help
support renewable energy systems. The aforementioned transcripts were loaded with green growth
opportunities encompassing a positive impact on San Diego’s renewable solar energy institutional
infrastructure. Scholars are beginning to seek more integrated approaches to environmental policy
problem solving to allow sustainability science which is an academic-led effort, to adapt to the
changes in environmental policy.
The next I interviewed another individual who worked in the field of installing (PV)
systems at Borrego Solar Inc, his name is Halston Rove, the interview provided insight on the role
of an intermediary and how private organizations coordinate and connect with customers and
governmental agencies at the local level. These agencies have an obligation to reduce CO2 and
other harmful emissions that allows for the profound reduction of America's carbon footprint. This
contributed to the global initiative to significantly reducing CO2. Data from the Energy Policy
Initiatives Center (EPIC) shows that considerable amounts of energy as well as tons of greenhouse
polluting gasses were mitigated because the (RRA) provided an alternative, renewable power
supply. (Energy Policy Initiatives Center, 2009)
The Impact of Public and Private Partnerships on Supporting Renewable Energy 17
In such cases where the connection channels have not been provided, it is safe to say that
implementation of (PV) solar systems have become too costly (Energy Policy Initiatives Center,
2009). The economic value of the total incentive programs being implemented should stimulate the
installation of a grid, but this is severely compromised when a grid has no economic advantages. In
both case studies examined there was substantial evidence indicating lower operating cost were
mostly associated with positive economic external factors that contribute to the total amount of a
renewable solar systems (Energy Policy Initiatives Center, 2009).
If not for the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act
It is extensively recognized that the (RRA) has significantly contributed to the greening of
many local buildings that will heavily devote to a large portion of energy to the regional power
grid. For example, “US buildings alone are responsible for more CO2 emissions than those of any
other entire country in the world except China.” (Levenstein, 2001) These findings support the
concept that global pollution is influencing the amount of carbon emitted in the ozone layer, and
the support the overall promotion of a thriving green industry. There are currently eleven state
buy-down programs for renewable energy technologies, all of which have been initiated within the
past several years. Nearly all of these programs are funded by public incentives from the (RRA),
these funds are administered by the state’s energy office, and third-party fund administrator, or
individual utilities (Distributed Energy Interconnection Procedures, 2004). All of the current buydown programs fund (PV) installations, with several states targeting (PV) exclusively (Distributed
Energy Interconnection Procedures, 2004).
About half of the (RRA) programs support wind technology development, and third solar
energy systems (Recovery and Reinvestment Act, 2009). Few programs include solar thermal
The Impact of Public and Private Partnerships on Supporting Renewable Energy 18
systems and fuel cells. Nearly all of the programs for the (RRA) are available to residents and
businesses (Recovery and Reinvestment Act, 2009). In addition to these sectors, some states
extend eligibility to government entities, institutions, and nonprofits. These incentives vary in buy
back price ranges, from a dollar per kilowatt to six dollars per kilowatt, with most states providing
tax incentive for (PV) systems.
Technical performance requirements vary widely amongst various programs. In some
cases, the initial cost had a few requirements but later added quality assurance provisions we
necessary for systems that were improperly installed. Individual agencies, and more often, local
and regional governments are leading the way in developing innovative environmental policies and
programs that seek to find more integrative ways to manage complex environmental issues as a
way to create more sustainable communities” (Rosenbaum 2002). The use of a pre-approved
contractors and pre-approved equipment must also be monitoring and mandated in some states. A
couple of the buy-down programs initiated within the past year employed performance based
incentives, a few of these grants we implemented at (ASW) base. All of the special rules and
regulations differentiate by state, and must be compressively enforced at the federal level.
Infrastructure changes aided the Department of Defenses way of procuring San Diego’s
locally produced (PV) green energy. Moreover the (RRA) tax initiatives have created jobs and
additional electrical revenue. By adopting a sustainable methodology for future regional planning
projects (PV) solar electric systems halt the increased demand on existent fossil-fuel plants for
more energy. (PV) solar panels are contributing significantly to the government’s comprehensive
sustainable energy objective. (PV) renewable energy projects are currently being utilized for
residential, commercial, and industry facilities reducing the reliance on fossil fuels.
The Impact of Public and Private Partnerships on Supporting Renewable Energy 19
The acquisition and financial assistance award process invokes direct participation from
local business and residents for a cost-shared grant issued by the federal government to offer tax
incentives, and promote renewable businesses developments. These tax incentives are instrumental
to evolving a reliable energy efficient product to a consumer base committed to solar energy.
Resources regarding these opportunities are established through tax incentive programs (Energy
Policy Initiatives Center, 2009). Last year there were two billion dollars worth of federal funding
awarded to various green industries, both public and private. (The Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, 2009). Technology has improved sufficiently that (PV) solar cells are now a
feasible option for every private and public building, and to providing an alternative power source
in case of power failures.
The sun is an enormous source of energy, giving the earth every minute, enough energy to
supply the earth’s power needs for a year (Model Net Metering and Interconnection Standards for
Renewable Energy, 2006). Photovoltaic cells convert fifteen to twenty percent of the sun’s energy
to electricity, while newer, cheaper materials such as silicon and gallium arsenide only convert
eight percent of the sun’s energy. The fact still remains that the manufacturing costs of (PV) cells
are still relatively high, compared side by side, solar power is five times more expensive than
power derived from fossil fuels (The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, 2009).
(PV) technology HAS changed rapidly, and new research has lead to significant cost reductions,
predicted to be completed within a year or two (The National Electrical Code Photovoltaic Power
Systems, 2005). These advances could be beneficial to making cheaper versions of (PV) cells, and
would create less expensive flexible green technologies that are more reliable and efficient.
(PV) technology is an area that is always changing at an extremely high rate. There is an
increasing race between the more efficient, but expensive, technology organization and a variety of
The Impact of Public and Private Partnerships on Supporting Renewable Energy 20
cheaper, less efficient technologies. Every week hopeful entrepreneurs and scientists collaborate in
the public and private sectors to attempt to achieve a break-through, and to access federal stimulus
funds. Public and private utility support and cooperation further complicated by the rapidly
growing field of nanotechnology, which is already being applied to (PV) will soon enable more
cohesive cooperation. Utility support and cooperation can greatly enhance the effectiveness for
buy down grid connected technologies, and are critical to ensuring that a quick and easy
interconnection process occurs as smoothly as possible. It was found in cases where utilities
imposed additional testing and administrative obstacles, installation of photovoltaic systems and
buy down participation were sluggish at best (Model Interconnection Procedures and Agreement
for Small Distributed Generation Resources, 2004).
The implementation of a decentralized solar electric system diminishes the overall demand
for existing fossil-fuel plants, enabling the region of Southern California to practice economic
vitality while remaining environmentally sustainable. “The prevailing argument is that sustainable
patterns persist in the mist of an economic crisis” (Rosenbaum 2002). Solar electric systems can
supply residential, commercial and industrial units with safe, renewable electricity, to save money
and offset the increased demand for fossil fuels. In order to ensure that (PV) systems are a credible
investment for the future a building must perform at peak energy performance while remaining
lowest in overall cost (Model Interconnection Procedures and Agreement for Small Distributed
Generation Resources, 2004). The two companies Synergy Electric and Borrego Solar share
similar practices implementing solar efficiency equipment.
Materials and equipment were transferred from various installations to assist in the
construction costs. Current building technologies are useful sources in pinpointing financial
incentives to establish energy efficiency (The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy,
The Impact of Public and Private Partnerships on Supporting Renewable Energy 21
2009). The amount of carbon produced is much less than that produced by fossil fueled power
plants, a solar project is expected to turn the building into an instant profit while emitting zero
pollution. Billions of dollars have been spent on wind and solar projects. Laws must force electric
utility companies, and ultimately, all electricity users to pay higher rates for businesses and
individuals to join and generate solar energy and feed it back into the grid.
With the guarantee of revenue from the (RRA), solar (PV) panels can become a common
site on houses. New windmills should be the typical sight in rural areas, especially in the windier
north. Financial incentives are an important tool that can help individuals and businesses
overcome the barrier of high initial equipment costs for (PV) technology. To be effective, (RRA)
incentives should be considered as one component in a comprehensive approach to creating a
reliable sustainable national market. “Without other supportive policies, including education and
outreach programs, a standardized and quick interconnection process for grid-connected systems,
and complementary financial incentives such as tax incentives, net metering and low-interest
financing, the effectiveness of financial incentive programs in stimulating market development
will be compromised.”(Planning for environment, economy and community, 2009) The (RRA)
addresses the needs and challenging practices and policies, aimed at establishing partnerships and
alliances with program administrators, and policy advocates.
Equipment dealers and installers could lend to private institutions, and public utilities
commissions, and contribute to the financing and installation process. The social partnership
between science and society, specifically the transfer of knowledge amongst the science
community to the urban build environment is a relevant aspect, in explaining why economic and
environmental policies are being implemented at a high rate in San Diego. These policies promote
solar (PV) energy systems that are directly associated with environmental policy initiatives being
The Impact of Public and Private Partnerships on Supporting Renewable Energy 22
enacted because of ozone layer depletion and the passing of the (RRA). There are many economic
benefits involved when actualizing sustainable energy system in urban epicenters. Research points
to case studies that demonstrate how to institute detailed change in environmental policy
initiatives.
Rebate programs attract commercial and private investors that want to invest in solar
energy solutions, and contribute to reducing America’s carbon footprint. The solar generated
system completed on top of building fifty typically yields a return of investment between seven to
eleven percent as forecast of utility rates will also increase solar energy payback. Exact payback
period is the amalgamation of the (PV) unit’s cost of the system and electrical management.
Infrastructure changes will aid in procuring San Diego’s accessibility to pure locally produced
green energy. Moreover the (RRA) tax initiatives have created jobs and city revenue. Solar electric
systems installed at (ASW) base lowers America's carbon footprint by using renewable solar
energy. (PV) solar panels contribute significantly to the Department of Defenses comprehensive
sustainable energy objective. Competitive grants are the most common type of financial assistance
the can be awarded. (The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Commission, 2009).
Competitive grants are the key principal in explaining the financial assistance process.
Through federal government funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy financial
assistance awards from the (RRA) were authorized by the U.S. Congressional appropriations
committee. After the budget was determined by the Department of Energy the (RRA) eventually
ensures that all funds are available for the energy efficiency and renewable energy financial
awards, after such time the funds are disbursed. (Recovery and Reinvestment Act, 2009). Tax
incentives are instrumental in evolving reliable energy efficient products for new consumers
The Impact of Public and Private Partnerships on Supporting Renewable Energy 23
committed to solar (PV) energy. Resources regarding these opportunities are established through
tax incentive programs made possible by the (RRA) (Recovery and Reinvestment Act, 2009).
In exploring the symbiotic relationship between public policy and the implementation of
solar energy, I found that remaining environmentally sustainable is built on political will and the
separation from fossil fuels. This study understands green solar industries and analyzed the
procurement of grants as well as tax incentives by local state and the federal governments. The
incentives of implementing renewable energy systems are voluminous, in turn renewable energy
sources should be implemented on a mass scale today, to protect future economic welfare. A
decentralized solar electric system supplies every classification of unit with safe, renewable
electricity, to halt America’s reliance on fossil fuels. Infrastructure changes have helped with
accessibility to pure locally produced green energy.
When solar energy is utilized it aids in diminishing local emissions as well as mitigating
regional power usage. Infrastructure changes will aide in developing the region’s accessibility to
pure locally produced green energy. This initiative created jobs and added revenues while regional
advocating for a renewable future. San Diego has not yielded the significant capacity to harness
energy from renewable energy sources because the utility power infrastructure has not been
established to support such a goal. This fact coupled with the existent economic downturn has
presented San Diego with a movement for a favorable circumstance to pursue local green growth
opportunities.
Conclusion
Sustainable patterns were cultivated decades before the present day economic concerns of
the twenty first century. This study found the impact that public and private partnerships had in
supporting renewable energy resources at (ASW) base. There was a concerted relationship
The Impact of Public and Private Partnerships on Supporting Renewable Energy 24
between public policy and the implementation of solar energy used in the (RRA). The election and
economic downturn propelled congress to pass the (RRA), which invigorated local green
industries. The aforementioned industries provided grants as well as tax allurements by state and
federal governments for (PV) solar systems.
This study provides a detailed analysis that examines the way in which the environmental
and economic impacts of sustainable solar systems have influenced public and private
organizations in the city of San Diego. The end result is a hope for the city to embrace this
collaboration and add to the region environmental policy, as well as reject the burning of fossil
fuels for future energy needs. The development of this policy will demonstrates how the city of
San Diego’s government will be able to generate stable revenues while reducing CO2 emissions
throughout the region. This study filled the gap left by literature, which does not provide concrete
examples of how cities have used (PV) solar systems to exploit environmental and economic
benefits from the environment. This study provides policy-makers with an example of a way of
viewing the environmental and economic impacts of sustainable solar (PV) systems.
Furthermore this case study explores the fluctuating degrees of difficulty in implementing a
physical network of renewable energy in unyielding utility grids. In such cases where the
connection channels provided remain costly, the economic value of incentive programs stimulate
the installation of a grid will be compromised. In both case studies examined there was substantial
evidence indicating that lower operating cost was associated with positive economic external
factors that contribute to the implementation of renewable solar (PV) systems. It is extensively
recognized that a buildings carbon emissions heavily contribute to a large portion of the energy
depletion in today’s economy.
The Impact of Public and Private Partnerships on Supporting Renewable Energy 25
The (RRA) provides an essential foundation for the ongoing partnership between public
and private agencies to promote renewable (PV) solar energy. This case study evaluated the (RRA)
contribution to renewable solar energy at (ASW NAVFAC) Anti-Submarine Warfare Naval
Facilities Engineering Command Southwest, a local government facility. This study exposed an
essential partnership between public and private entities in San Diego, and found the two agencies
responsible for creating renewable energy incentives that promote renewable efforts to reduce
America’s dependency on foreign oil. The (RRA) effectively actualized tax credit programs,
contributing to the growth of San Diego’s green industry, and allowed for the diversification of
essential solar energy resources. This study proves that the (RRA) has provided job creation in
both public and private industries as well as sparked new economic benefits for renewable (PV)
energy systems that will hopefully catalyze technological improvements for solar electric energy
systems in the future.
The Impact of Public and Private Partnerships on Supporting Renewable Energy 26
Appendix
(Figure 1): Building 50
(Figure 2): (ASW) Base
The Impact of Public and Private Partnerships on Supporting Renewable Energy 27
Reference
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The Impact of Public and Private Partnerships on Supporting Renewable Energy 28
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The Impact of Public and Private Partnerships on Supporting Renewable Energy 29