New buildings in Richmond could have rooftop solar panels in the future.
At Monday’s general purposes committee meeting, city council passed a motion to proceed into the second phase of a proposal to include solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, such as rooftop solar panel systems, in future developments in Richmond.
The goal of the project is to improve more low-carbon energy systems in new construction and raise the awareness of building electrification benefits and cost-effective renewable energy generation in newer developments, according to a city staff report.
The second phase of the proposal is scheduled to start in the fall of 2022.
This includes policy and regulatory approaches, identifying potential incentives for building electrification and decarbonization, including the role of onsite solar panels.
“Staff will engage with building design and construction communities, solar PV system installers, affordable housing providers and other subject area experts to further refine the conclusions reached in Phase 1,” reads the city report.
In January 2016, council endorsed a policy approach to use solar energy systems on city facilities and private buildings such as solar PV systems, solar hot water systems and solar air heating.
Solar PV systems were found to have worked on a wider range of buildings especially with low market cost of solar panels and equipment, reads the report.
Staff also found that smaller residential buildings such as single-detached, duplexes and townhouses have enough roof space for solar panels to help decrease electrical energy demand in the buildings.
Council will require staff to report back with options for considerations when phase two begins in the fall.
