Rep. Mike Thompson Flips Switch On Sonoma Mountain Village's New Solar Power System Buildings

Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) today helped "flip the switch" on Sonoma Mountain Village's new solar system buildings. In a solar industry "first," this system was financed by $1.6 million from private capital made available by Clean Fund to the Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP). The funds were provided to Sonoma Mountain Village through SCEIP and their Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program. Rep. Thompson has been a leading advocate of PACE programs, sponsoring legislation in Congress.

"PACE is one of the most creative and successful solutions to our nation's energy crisis - and it is a common sense way to create good, green jobs," said Rep. Thompson. "Because of PACE, and the hard work of community leaders and businesses, Sonoma Mountain Village will be a 100 percent solar powered, zero-waste community."

Thompson's PACE legislation allows communities to establish PACE programs so property owners can finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects for their homes and commercial buildings, all without any government subsidies or taxes.

Sonoma Mountain Village, developed by Codding Enterprises, is a 200 acre mixed-use, solar-powered, zero-waste community under development. The solar arrays, provided by Stellar Energy, are comprised of 4,928 solar panel modules, generating 1.158 megawatts that when combined with the existing on-site solar, will allow Sonoma Mountain Village to cover 100 percent of its electric needs from on-site renewable power.

This newest solar power system adds to an existing 1.14 megawatt array allowing the entire business campus to provide enough power for 2,000 homes. Sonoma Mountain Village now boasts over 181,000 square feet, or almost four acres, of rooftop solar panels.

"PACE is a win for everyone," Rep. Thompson continued. "Homeowners' and businesses' utility costs are lowered, people are put to work, and our nation gets the benefit of reduced energy use, increased energy independence and a cleaner environment."

"With this solar power installation, Sonoma Mountain Village is showing once again that it is a dynamic force for job-creation in our community and a responsible corporate citizen," said Representative Lynn Woolsey (CA-6). "Working with Sonoma County and taking advantage of its innovative PACE program, SMV is proving that green jobs are our future - that we can have both economic growth and environmental sustainability. I am proud to represent SMV in Congress and excited about continuing our partnership."

Congressman Mike Thompson is proud to represent California's 1st Congressional District, which includes the Counties of Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Sonoma, Napa, and Yolo. He is a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Rep. Thompson is also a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition and sits on the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Wine Caucus.