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ROI calculations are variable and should be done on a case by case basis. <br />Solar Hot Water Systems <br />The average commercial /industrial building energy efficiency was calculated to be 131 <br />Kbtu /ft2 /year, which according to Table 5, is in line with other benchmarked inventories. Figure <br />3 shows a breakdown of municipal building energy use by type13. This information can be used <br />to inform and evaluate implementation or expansion of renewable energy installations. For <br />example, the rec center uses a large proportion of natural gas to meet its energy demands. Solar <br />hot water heaters may be an appropriate investment to complement the use of natural gas, saving <br />money and cutting emissions. The City of Louisville has set a precedent of being willing to <br />invest in this type of system. However, cost considerations and return on investment calculations <br />should be done on a case by case basis to determine fiscal feasibility. <br />Figure 3. Government Building <br />Energy Use <br />8000 <br />p X00 <br />Gp 6000 <br />5000 <br />" <br />a 4000 <br />re, <br />3000 <br />D 2000 <br />0 1000 <br />a o,,,., 1 4 <br />Solar Rebate Program <br />• Natural Gas <br />• E1ecti city <br />The city could further encourage the expansion of solar energy use through the <br />development of a program similar to that of Boulder's Solar Rebate and Solar Grant Programs. <br />These programs give a sales and use tax refund of up to 15% for resident and businesses <br />installing PV and solar hot water systems. Non - profit organizations and qualified residents are <br />also eligible to receive grants, funded out of sales and use taxes on other solar projects in the <br />city28. From 2011 to 2013, Boulder issued 26 rebates for a total of $3,239 leading to 159 kW of <br />28 <br />30 <br />