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11 <br /> <br />Travis Myren said not to his knowledge. He said leasing becomes an option when you <br />face technology obsolescence. <br />Commissioner Price referred to page 7, “Supplemental Weatherization for Low Income <br />Households-weatherizations up fits,” and asked if staff can provide a list of the funding and what <br />is allowed. <br />Travis Myren said yes. <br />Commissioner Marcoplos pointed out that they are not on the frontier of solar <br />technology, and the information regarding ownership and leasing is readily available. He said it <br />is up to the schools to make that decision, and both districts have experience with solar arrays, <br />so there is little risk. He said leasing is typically much cheaper, and includes maintenance. <br />Commissioner Greene referred to page 8, and the three grant requirements and <br />signage: <br /> <br />1.) That the solar projects maximize the purchase power of the grant funding by <br />considering leasing of the solar panels in the arrangement laid out in 2017 by <br />H.B. 589, and report to the County on the decision that was made to purchase or <br />lease. <br />2.) The grantees must report the total solar energy generated as well as the percent <br />of each facility’s energy use that was served by the solar system. This would <br />provide pressure for continued focus on energy efficiency along with the <br />renewable energy. <br />3.) The grantees must have a monitor showing the live energy performance of their <br />systems in a public location with a sign noting that the system was paid for by <br />proceeds of the Orange County Climate Action Tax. <br /> <br />Commissioner Greene said, in the interest of education, she would want the signage to <br />say more. She said this solar array will reduce carbon emissions, which could be quantified, <br />and the signage could also list the benefits for climate action. <br />Chair Rich said the County is granting the money to the schools, and asked if Orange <br />County has a role thereafter. She said she would like Brennan Bouma, Sustainability Director, <br />to stay involved with these projects to assist the schools in the best way to utilize these funds. <br />Commissioner Bedford agreed with Commissioner Greene’s suggestion about the <br />signage. <br />Commissioner Price read the following from point 10: <br /> <br />Are there any relevant restrictions on solar in our Unified Development <br />Ordinance (UDO)? <br />A third-party review of the solar regulations within Orange County’s UDO was <br />conducted in 2017 when the County was being certified as a SolSmart community at <br />the Silver Level. According to that review at that time, there were several sections <br />that might influence the design, function, and aesthetics of a school solar array <br />depending on its size, type, and location. Orange County Sustainability staff plans to <br />reach out to Planning staff for an updated review during the creation of the County’s <br />climate action plan. <br /> <br />Commissioner Price asked if staff could follow up on this point. She said she had <br />brought this up before. <br />Travis Myren said staff would follow up. <br />Travis Myren said he wanted to confirm the two points to include in creating the grant <br />report: the signage showing wattage, energy savings, education signage, etc.; and the County’s <br />on-going participation and on-going reporting by Brennan Bouma (per Chair Rich)