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The city has won first place in the "City Solar Award" competition sponsored by the Northern California Solar Energy Association, which is known as NorCal Solar for short.
NorCal recognizes cities, including residents, businesses, and municipal governments, for the highest number of solar photovoltaic systems, also known as PV systems, installed within their borders.
Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates said in a statement, "We are honored to be recognized by NorCal Solar as the number one city to install solar PV systems."
Bates said, "The Berkeley community is serious about reducing green house gas emissions. By promoting energy efficiency and installing renewable solar energy we are tackling the global crisis of climate change on a very local and personal level."
According to the 2008 Bay Area Solar Installation Report, Berkeley businesses and residents installed 4.17 PV systems per 1,000 citizens. Berkeley beat out Oakland, which had 1.2 systems per 1,000 people, San Francisco, which had 0.84, and San Jose, which had 0.73.
NorCal Solar is a non-profit educational organization. The group says its mission is to accelerate the use of solar energy technology through the exchange of information.
Norcal Solar Director Bruce Lymburn will present the award to the Berkeley City Council at its meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
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