Visioning 2026 Blog
Solar Power Impacts and Recommendations for Norfolk, NE -- Transformational Learning Process Project Presentation
One of three 2007-2008 Leadership Norfolk process project groups investigated the solar power trend and the potential future impact to Norfolk, Nebraska and the surrounding Northeast Nebraska communities.
Read their 26 page report on Solar Power, The Key to Solving Our Current Energy Crisis. (PDF 1.3MB)
Technology is quickly making solar power a more economic and feasible enery source. The three technologies, Passive Solar, Active Solar Heating, and Solar PV (Photovoltaic) Systems along with an aging and under capacity nationwide electrical grid will support change to more a local and decentralized electrical generation and distribution system in the future. Their presentation stated, "The use of solar power can ease the pressures on our overtaxed power grid. Solar power is a “distributed generation” energy source, meaning electricity is produced at or close to the source of consumption. This reduces the distance electricity must travel to get to the end user. Excess power can be feed back into the grid."
They reported a potentially very substantial technology breakthrough that will increase the effeciency of photovoltaic systems by using a paper thin material that absorbs 99.95% of the light that strikes it.
Also stated in the report was a reference to California Green Industry and the City of Berkeley paying for the upfront costs for a resident’s solar installation and recoup the money over 20 years through additional property taxes on a resident’s home. This would be similar to a tax increment financing model that would be applicable to individuals as well as for economic development purposes.
The process group provided how the future impacts of solar technology can be applied to Norfolk, NE.
* Transformational learning will help us develop these resources faster. We can introduce to the City of Norfolk communities already implementing such changes, and learn from any challenges they face and the obstacles they overcome. It may help people in our community if they can be shown actual energy cost savings.
* The North Fork River Development project could build “green” buildings that incorporate solar panels. Perhaps a recycling center and informational center about being better stewards of our community and of the planet could be incorporated.
* The Water Park, whose peak operating times would naturally coincide with sunny periods, would be an obvious candidate for the use of solar power. Solar power could help save the Water Park in energy costs and the energy it doesn’t use (during the off-season), could be sold back to the utility company.
From an community education perspective the group stated, "If possible, it would be beneficial to focus a part of the semester on renewable energy and incorporate into the curriculum information about fossil fuels, ethanol, nuclear power, wind energy, and solar energy."
Numerous organizations were indentified that could help generate more community awareness and pilot projects.
* City Council – Will need to win the hearts of the council and is the first step in trying to bring the concept of solar power to a reality.
* CLIC (Chamber's young professional group) – This group’s involvement with the younger generation can help spread the word of this great concept of bringing solar energy to the community.
* Chamber of Commerce –The Chamber can encourage the business community to adopt solar energy.
* Neighbor Works – Perhaps this organization could have few solar homes.
* Local Habitat for Humanity Groups – Perhaps they could build one or more solar homes.
* Northeast Nebraska Economic Development – Could help provide grants or assistance in receiving rebates that Nebraska has for going “green” or using alternative energy. http://www.neo.ne.gov/loan/
* Northeast Community College – The College has a good history of working with the community. Possibly the Building Construction program could assist in building some solar homes and use new technology to be environmentally friendly.
* Norfolk Area Home Builders Association – This association could encourage their customers to consider solar energy. Information could be provided to area contractors through this entity.
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