That said, I’d like to see the building and tax codes revised to make solar panels more attractive. Just because they aren’t a complete solution doesn’t mean they aren’t worthwhile. As I recall Germany has a program like this in place now.

There are numbers below zero. But I suppose what they mean is that the city will somehow absorb more C02 than it generates – however unlikely that is…

Wind is not a good idea for most places, but there is a lot of unused real estate for solar, both PV and HW. Large buildings can be re-skinned, not just for insulation improvements, but to add active surfaces, such as PV arrays.

See the linked document (Retrofitting the Built Space)

http://www.cbc.ca/toronto/features/greengrowsup/pdf/ZFP_New_Skin_New_Hope.pdf

There are thousands or roofs that could also be used to support solar arrays to generate electricity. All is needed is a SmartGrid to properly manage and transport the generated electricity. Sounds like a good way to spend government (our) money – that is the economic stimulation package.

There is no number below zero. Once you hit zero you can’t go any lower.

BTW, how are cities going to generate all their own power? I assume fossil fuel generators and nukes are out. That leaves wind, solar, and hydroelectric.

Wind and solar need lots of land which cities don’t have. Hydro would require massive dams which have their own negative consequences and which in any case are usually unsuitable for geographic reasons.