Post Office Box 42708
Tucson, AZ 85733
(520) 326-3195
vajra@vecat-inc.com

In late 1997, the Tucson-Pima Metropolitan Energy Commission
facilitated the creation of the Greater Tucson Coalition for Solar Energy (GTCSE)

GTCSE is a public-private collaboration dedicated to strengthening and enhancing the solar energy industry in the Tucson metropolitan area. Its objectives are to stimulate demand and strengthen and facilitate supply of solar energy systems. To date, GTCSE has raised over $4,000,000 in investment, $1.2 million in Federal, to support the growth and development of solar energy applications.

Key community achievements are:

• Over $34 million in commitments to date for solar energy investment ($30.6 million in utility surcharges for renewables), complemented by Federal investments of over $1,200,000.
  
  
• Over 400% increase in solar energy installations from 2001 levels (excluding utility surcharge systems, which if included would constitutes over 550% times 2001 levels) and a massive increase in the annual development of solar electric production from 122,640 kWhrs in 1999 to 9.8 million kWhrs in 2004.
  
  
• A major revision of the state portfolio standard increasing funding and requirements for solar energy, and most probably structured for more effective community deployment.
  
  
• An Arizona Corporation Commission workshop process for distributed generation with a goal of establishing net metering and standard interconnection agreements.
  
  
• A multi- year solar investment, the “Re-structuring Dividend” by the City of Tucson for solar energy installations (recently extended).
  
  
• The development of over 120 solar energy industry jobs (2003).
  
  
• A modest, but visible market presence for solar in the metropolitan housing market.
  
  
• The publication of “A Workbook for Community-Based Renewable Energy Initiatives,” documenting lessons learned and successful strategies for diffusion of solar technologies and the soon to be launched “how to” website on third party financing for commercial solar pools.
  
  
• The foundation for a major solar and distributed energy campaign in conjunction with the Western Governor’s Association (WGA) commitment to 30,000 MW of clean energy by 2015, and other regional energy advocates.
  
  
• A plan for an Energy Surety campaign establishing solar energy’s critical role and the implementation of several pilot projects.
  
  
• A multi-million dollar funding opportunity for photovoltaic installations through Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (“CREBS”)

As 2007 begins, never has energy been so much at the heart of our challenges and opportunities. For the first time, in spite of the waxing and waning of our attention, solar energy has a prominent place at the table. The work done to date should attractively position the community to benefit from the emerging renewable energy economy. GTCSE will continue to integrate solar energy into our schools, public buildings, homes, businesses, and the development strategies of our region.