Lyndon Rive, Thank you for the opportunity to present to you and Solar City our proposal for bringing solar power to the government buildings of Trenton, New Jersey. In order to best appreciate the situation in which we find ourselves, we must undertake an explanation of why bringing solar power to the city is in everyone's best interest. This proposal, therefore, includes the reasons why solar panels are beneficial, how they help to reduce the carbon footprint, save on energy costs, and allow the city to demonstrate effective corporate social responsibility (CSR) by going green and helping the environment. You will, no doubt, find this proposal to be exactly the type of activity to which you are drawn, given your background as CEO of Solar City and extensive work in the energy sector.

My purpose in writing to you of our proposal is to identify a problem related to Trenton's government buildings and their energy usage and to provide a solution that works. I believe that with your assistance, we can bring solar power to Trenton's government buildings in an effective and efficient manner that could very well set the bar for other cities around the world looking to adopt similar CSR measures. Through our joint efforts we could put forward a perfect example of how to do the job correctly and make a tremendous impact in the lives of many while simultaneously extending our goals of becoming leaders in the industry.

This proposal includes all the research I have found on the subject, distilled for easy reading and formatted for quick reference. The substance of the argument, according to scholars, is that climate change is impacting the globe and that unless effective intervention is implemented immediately the effects may be irreversible. In our opinion, one needs no more dire call than this to appreciate the peril of the situation. It is with great humility that we recognize this not as a problem but as an opportunity to help set the course right, one small step at a time. By implementing solar panels over 750,000 sq. ft. of government building space, we can effectively reduce the carbon emissions in Trenton, as my plan will show. In so doing, we can help save the world for the next generations to come.

Thank you for your time and I readily look forward to speaking with you soon.

Sincerely,

Solar City Proposal: A Time for Change

Abstract

The onset of global warming/climate change has obliged governments around the world to become more proactive in their regard for the environment. While businesses in recent years have adopted corporate social responsibility programs geared towards helping the environment, it is time for governments to do the same. In Trenton, New Jersey, the implementation of solar panels on 750,000 sq. ft. of government building space can help to reduce the level of carbon emissions in the city and effectively serve to offset climate change. This proposal shows how the carbon emissions can be reduced by eliminating a portion of the city's dependency on the fossil fuels, which when burned give energy but also pollute the atmosphere. Using solar panels is a strategic alternative that cuts down on air pollution by minimizing the amount of greenhouse gases which become trapped in the atmosphere and contribute to the triggering of climate change/global warming. This proposal includes the relevant research that supports the science behind using solar energy, also known as clean energy, and shows how the research may be applied to the city of Trenton, New Jersey.

Table of Contents page 5

Table of Figures page 6

Introduction (Population and Problem) page 7

Harvesting Sunlight page 7

Climate Issues page 9

Significance page 10

The Benefits of Taking Action page 11

Literature Review page 12

History page- 6

Tax Incentives page-6

Models of Success page-7

Benefits of Solar Panels page-7

Connecting the Solar Panel System page-8

Plan page 18

Process page 20

Budget page 21

Summary and Evaluation page 21

Conclusion page 25

References page 27

Table of Figures

Table 1. New Jersey Costs page 16

Table 2. New Jersey Savings page 17

Table 3. Costs/Savings of Using Solar Panels in Trenton page 22

Introduction: Population and Problem

Harvesting Sunlight

In recent years, climate change has received more and more attention around the world, with national leaders convening for special meetings on the topic of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in late 2015 is the most notable example, with every country's representatives, from Vladimir Putin of Russia to Barack Obama of the U.S., agreeing to a global initiative to move their respective countries towards the adoption of clean energy in the coming years (Robbins, 2016). Thus, it may be said without doubt that people globally are noticing climate change and its effects and taking part in the solution to stem the tide of global warming. It is also clear, as research indicates, that companies such as Solar City are dedicated to advancing the interests of solar energy and changing our world for the better. As the Chief-Executive Officer you work with the government to encourage and aid the progression of solar installation to create a new, renewable source of energy. This energy decreases the burning of fossil fuels, which lowers the carbon emissions in the environment. This is a great method for advancing the directives of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. How and where to apply it is a question that we can now address as we look at the potential benefits of harvesting sunlight for energy.
One problem area that has come to our attention is that of Trenton, New Jersey. New Jersey continues to depend on the use of fossil fuels for energy. While energy is vital in our everyday lives as well as in our economy, local governments should be aware of the alternatives that are available to them as they look towards implementing a clean energy policy in accordance with the guidance suggested by the United Nations member states. A popular argument regarding the transition from traditional energy sources to clean energy is that such a transition would lead to the layoff of many workers and further plunge the American economy into recession. Although many employees make a living off of fossil fuels, we are inevitably creating our own destruction by utilizing them. Moreover, the closing of one sector/industry does not mean that another cannot open to replace it. As the world turns towards clean energy, more jobs can open in the solar power sector as a result. Indeed, this is where Solar City comes into play. Solar panels have been proposed as a "cure" to the destruction of fossil fuels. Implementing solar panels is beneficial in multiple ways that not only will reduce the use of fossil fuels, but also will save money. It is truly the future of energy. PV Magazine, which is a news letter on all photovoltaic market technology, announced that, "SolarCity closed on a $188 million financing of residential solar projects through its renewable energy tax equity program with Bank of America Merrill Lynch and another un-named investor,"(Rosellund, 2016). That deal was made at the same time your company sealed another $150 million deal with Credit Suisse. In short, Solar City is putting people to work and helping to create a world that is more energy-efficient, greener, and cleaner.

It is well-known that Solar City is the leading innovative financer for solar development. Your main goal is to implement a better source of energy to reduce the amount of emissions as well as save money. With the research shown below, it is clear that this will further reinforce your vision on impacting the world: safeguarding the environment, improving people's lives, building a diverse and inclusive workplace, strengthening communities, and helping those in need around the globe (Rive, 2015). I firmly believe with your high interest in renewable energy sources, your focus on engineering for system optimization, your concerns and desires when confronting climate change, and your willingness to stop global warming make you an excellent candidate to support this proposal to help Trenton, New Jersey retrofit its existing government buildings with solar panels in order to help reduce the city's carbon emissions and dependence upon fossil fuels for energy.

But we cannot do it alone. Your company funds projects similar to mine throughout America, so it is apparent that you are committed to making a difference, especially when it comes to better energy. With the help of Solar City, modern electric grids, carbon emissions and the prices of energy will be reduced.

Climate Issues

Why Trenton, New Jersey? For one, Trenton is already promoting the use of solar power through its Solar Renewable Energy Credits program, which allows solar energy providers to claim credits that can be used to generate income from utilities companies. For another, New Jersey is well aware that it is fast approaching a crisis point: "Unless New Jersey acts decisively to reduce energy demand and increase the supply of low carbon emitting, reliable and reasonably priced energy, the state faces an increasingly costly and unsustainable energy future"(NJLM, 2015). As you well know, the burning of fossil fuels causes the release of carbon…