Kathleen Beckman
Clearwater City Council Seat 3
Clearwater's Greenprint 2.0
Being Green, Saving $
In 2011, Clearwater Greenprint, the City's sustainability plan, was adopted through the help of many residents, businesses, and city staff members. Clearwater Greenprint created a vision to make the city of Clearwater a vibrant community for current residents and future generations. In 2021, Clearwater Greenprint 2.0 was adopted to advance that vision. You can view Greenprint 2.0 here: Greenprint 2.0

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Saving $ with Energy Efficiencies
Starting in 2022, the city approved a new partnership with Cenergistic to reduce the city’s energy bill by an estimated $8 million over 5 years. Of course, energy savings will help deliver CO2 emission reductions as well.
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Saving $ with generating our own energy
The city is in the process of installing/planning solar on city buildings, to lower electric bills and reduce emissions. Clearwater has recently received grants that will help deliver an estimated $6-9 million in savings. Here is a quick summary of the solar projects that are planned/in progress:
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Imagine Clearwater / Coachman park
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Fire stations - new/existing fire stations
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Solar study - A city wide analysis was recently completed to determine which existing buildings the city should prioritize for solar. New solar installations are planned to start Q4 2023.
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Savings for Residents, Businesses, Churches, non-profits
As of the end of Q2 2023, over 1,500 solar installations have been completed and/or permitted in Clearwater. Trinity Presbyterian Church is a recent example, installing one of the largest solar arrays in Clearwater. All solar installations reduce demand on the grid, lower energy bills, and reduce pollution. The 1,500+ installations are reducing emissions equivalent to 2 million gallons of gasoline annually, and nearly $3 million in estimated savings on their energy bills.
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Tips and resources
Solar costs have fallen significantly over the last 10 years, but like any home related purchase, home owners should become educated on:
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What is a good price? You should always ask and get a quote with $ per watt price.
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Get multiple quotes to compare.
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Check references for installers.
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If you are looking to finance, get educated and fully understand financing terms and any additional charges that might increase the total cost of your purchase.
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Solar United Neighbors is a great resource. They have run many co-ops in the Tampa Bay area, including Pinellas/Clearwater. https://www.solarunitedneighbors.org/
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