The Orion Online - Students aim to help Chico go sunny side up

The Orion Online - Students aim to help Chico go sunny side up: "Members of professor Laurie Wermuth's environmental sociology class presented encouraging information to more than 40 community members about shifting to solar-powered energy systems at a forum held at Chico’s City Council chambers on Thursday night...

"One group discussed the planning of New Urbanist housing developments, which emphasized pedestrian friendly living and safe, economically integrated neighborhoods. Another group described the local Doe Mill project that was the closest thing Chico has to a New Urbanist development. The next group talked about solar-thermal technology and its applications and effectiveness at reducing dependency on fossil fuels and reducing energy costs.

According to the statistics presented, the two apartment complexes studied could save up to $200 per month on energy expenses by switching to solar-thermal technology.

Another group described the government incentive programs that can reduce the cost of switching to solar power by about half. There are now six grant programs active.

The final group presented its efforts in researching the feasibility of switching Chico’s Pleasant Valley High School to solar energy. Using examples from other schools that have done the same, this project is still in motion. [...]"