AL HJR746

Legislature commits to establishing the Alabama Sun Shot Initiative to obtain one percent of the state's energy consumption from renewable solar energy through solar parking canopies in parking lots across Alabama.

Initiative aligns with the 2011 U.S. Department of Energy "Sun Shot" program goal to drive solar installation costs to less than $1 per watt of power produced.

Solar parking canopy structures reduce heat island effects from asphalt, decrease fuel consumption for vehicle cooling, reduce sun damage to vehicles, and improve parking lot lighting and safety.

Solar energy installations create job opportunities for Alabama citizens in installation and maintenance while reducing emissions and enhancing energy independence.

In natural disasters, solar parking canopy structures can serve as a ready source of emergency energy production.