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Energy alternatives presented to Council 

The City Council looked into Berkeley’s future last Tuesday, and the light that showed the way was powered by renewable energy.  

In anticipation of converting city buildings to photovoltaic power, a representative from a Berkeley solar product company presented the council with new power-generating devices that are being used on large commercial and government buildings. He said they would save tax dollars and help break dependence on fossil-fuel-generated energy. 

“There is a unique opportunity to move ahead with these types of systems,” said Mark Bronez, director of major accounts for the Powerlight Corporation. “The photovoltaic equipment cost has come way down and installation methods have been greatly improved.” 

Photovoltaics is a process that transforms the sun’s energy into electricity.  

Bronez said the technology hasn’t changed since the 1950s when it was used to power satellites, but the equipment is now affordable.  

“In the ’60s, it was used to power remote installations like oil rigs, antennas, and research centers in the middle of nowhere,” he said. “But now the price has come way down to the point of making it feasible for the average homeowner and small business person to install it.” 

Bronez said the new installation methods have added benefits. “With the flat-roof product, you don’t have to penetrate the roof to install the system, which cuts down on potential leaks,” he said. “In addition the panels protect the roof, nearly doubling its life.” 

Bronez said changes in temperature cause roofs to expand and contract causing damage that can result in leaks. He said the Styrofoam-encased solar panels protect roofs from temperature changes thereby extending their lives. 

Mayor Shirley Dean said the presentation was a good introduction to a potentially new power source for city buildings. “I think people had to be reassured that the solar systems are functional and affordable,” she said. 

Dean said long-term savings to the city are nearly guaranteed. “The amount we save depends on how much energy rates go up,” she said. “And it doesn’t look like they’ll be coming down anytime soon.” 

Energy Officer Neil De Snoo, who organized the presentation to the council, said if the city funds the conversion to photovoltaic power, the first buildings to receive the systems will be the ones that get the most sun.  

“Possibly the Civic Center Building or the North Berkeley Senior Center,” he said. 

Daniel Kammen, Director of the Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory at UC Berkeley, said that switching to photovoltaic power is a good first step but cities, business owners and homeowners should pursue a strategy of energy diversification. 

“All of the new technologies together, wind, photovoltaic, and conservation need to be applied in order to reduce dependence on fossil fuels,” he said.  

Kammen there are 70 proposed power plants in the western states and 95 percent of them generate electricity with fossil fuels. 

“We have very few energy choices right now and they are mostly controlled by the fossil fuel energy cartel,” he said. “We need to create as many options as possible.”