Willow Glen Resident
News
San Jose looks at ways toimprove its solar, energy efficiency
By Mayra Flores De Marcotte
With energy costs on the rise, San Jose officials are looking up at the sun for efficient energy solutions.
To that end, the city held a study session on solar and energy efficiency in late January to discuss sustainable energy sources. Solar power was the hot topic.
Willow Glen resident Michael Borbely attended the session but thinks the city needs a stronger energy vision.
"The city officials talked about the Coyote Valley and the overall growth of the city," Borbely said, "but where's the power going to come from?"
Borbely, who lives in the Palm Haven neighborhood, knows first-hand the benefits of solar energy. His solar-powered residence has shaved his monthly utility bill from about $150 to $20 a month.
"You can't push people to do this," said Borbely, who owns Novuspace, an eco-friendly business that uses only green construction. "The best way to encourage the use of solar power is to set good examples."
The construction stage is a great way to create an energy-efficient home, he said.
"With single-family homes costing an average of $750,000, the $15,000 a developer will spend on including solar panels is a drop in the bucket," Borbely said.
San Jose is already a leader in technology, Borbely said; now the city should become a leader in solar energy.
"I think San Jose has a great opportunity here," he said. "We get more than 300 days of sunshine a year. We should take advantage of this and set an example for other cities in the country."
Willow Glen resident Marvin Bamburg, who also has a solar system at his home, agrees.
"I didn't do it for economical reasons," he said. "I did it because it is the socially responsible thing to do. I want to do what I can to help the environment."
The panels were so successful at his residence that Bamburg installed them on his Lincoln Avenue business, MBA Architects.
He credits the city with doing more in the area of green construction, but said it could do more in the area of solar power.
"It's a good start, and eventually we will get there," Bamburg said. "Global warming issues are hitting us hard. I think that the press and scientific community are coming to the same conclusion. It will never get better unless we try to make it better."
Like Borbely, Bamburg said residents can't be pushed. Residents need to be educated and made aware of solar energy, he said.
"I think few people do it for economic reasons," Bamburg said. "So many people have a good social conscience and look for the opportunity to be responsible."
The state of mind isn't the only thing that has changed about the solar energy movement. Reduced costs and a general acceptance of the new technology have helped propel the solar energy industry more into the mainstream.
Neil Collins, campaign manager for Akeena Solar in Los Gatos, said in the last five years, more companies have entered the industry.
"Cities are starting to accept that these models on the roofs as not eyesores but solutions for problems we are now facing," Collins said.
Like Borbely and Bamburg, Collins said the responsibility to set an example lies with the city.
The city's efforts should better the rest of the community, Collins said.
"Taking the initiative to look out for the well-being of its citizens is part of the process," he said.
Collins said by adding solar energy to its buildings, the city would cut down on the demand on the energy grid.
"We need to preserve this nice level of life for our children and grandchildren," he said.
