Tucson is one of 13 US Department of Energy selected Solar America Cities for 2007 .

Through the program, half a million dollars has been designated by the City and Federal governments for the expansion of solar power usage in the City. This partnership shows the commitment of governments of all levels to boost the solar industry.

Tucson’s solar potential and leadership in using solar energy helped it gain its status as a Solar America City. Through the program, the Federal grant is providing matching funds to those allocated by the City’s energy budget during a two-year period. The grant also created the position and salary for a Solar Coordinator, Bruce Plenk, to organize Tucson’s solar energy efforts. In addition, Tucson is receiving technical support from staff at different national laboratories.

Cities in the program share ideas and resources to promote solar power. The program allows Tucson to increase solar capacity and awareness of solar power to lead the way for its residents and other municipalities.

Steven Palmeri, Project Officer from the US Department of Energy hands Tucson Mayor Bob Walkup a Solar America City sign as Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano watches.

1999: The South-East Service Center (Ward IV) becomes the first facility to have solar power and have green building principles incorporated into all aspects of design.

2000: The dormitories at the Public Safety Training Academy are the first buildings to use solar water heating.

2001: The El Rio Adult Education Center opens with roof-top panels powering part of the Community Center.

2002: The Hayden/Udall Water Treatment facility is the first solar project to take advantage of the large parcels of land in the metropolitan area.

2003: The Patrick K. Hardesty Midtown Multi-Service Center opens with solar panels atop the roof, helping power operations for different city departments.

2004: The Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center becomes the City's largest solar water heating project, with 3,350 square feet of surface area for heating.

2005: The Pennington Street Garage becomes the first City garage to utilize solar power, becoming the largest single solar project within the City of Tucson's facilities, and can have its performance tracked online at http://www.tucsonaz.gov/hottopics/citysolar.html

2006: The Arizona Corporation Commission passes the Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff (REST), opening the door to the expansion of solar power throughout the state.

2007: Tucson is designated as a Solar America City.

2008: The Lee H. Brown Family Conservation Learning Center opens as Tucson's first LEED Platinum certified facility, with both solar electric and solar water heating. View system production online (Link leaves The City of Tucson website)