Removing Barriers to Solar Energy: A Roundtable Discussion on the SolSmart Program
Oct 13, 2020
Removing Barriers to Solar Energy: A Roundtable Discussion on the
SolSmart Program
SolSmart
Kathryn Wright ConsultantMeister Consultants Groupkathryn.wright@mc‐group.com
Chris WalkerSolSmart Project SpecialistThe Solar [email protected]
What is SolSmart?“SolSmart will create a prominent national
recognition and technical assistance program which recognizes local governments for their efforts in building stronger solar environments around the
country.”
How Familiar Are You With Solar? A. Little to no knowledgeB. Some knowledgeC. Solar expert
Little
to no
know
ledge
Some
know
ledge
Solar
expe
rt
0% 0%0%
Does your local government have solar on public properties? A. YesB. NoC. Don’t know
Yes No
Don’t
know
0% 0%0%
What are the top 3 barriers to solar adoption in your community? A. High upfront cost
B. Lack of education
C. Lack of policy support
D. Lack of utility support
E. Private interests
F. Lack of HOA support
G. Historic preservation
H. Reliability concerns
I. Environmental impact
J. Other High u
pfron
t cos
t
Lack
of ed
ucati
on
Lack
of po
licy su
ppor
t
Lack
of uti
lity su
pport
Priva
te int
erests
Lack
of HO
A sup
port
Histor
ic pres
ervati
on
Relia
bility
conc
erns
Envir
onme
ntal
impa
ctOt
her
0% 0% 0% 0% 0%0%0%0%0%0%
Common Barriers to Solar
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350
High upfront cost
Lack of education
Lack of policy support
Lack of utility support
Other
Historic Preservation
Lack of HOA support
Reliability concerns
Environmental Impact
The Cost of Solar PV
$‐
$2
$4
$6
$8
$10
$12
$14
1998 2015 (H1)
US Average Installed Cost for Residential PV
43% drop in price2010 - 2015
43% drop in price2010 - 2015
Avg. for 2015: $3.50/W (SEIA)
The Cost of Solar in the US
Source: NREL (http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy14osti/60412.pdf)
LBNL (http://emp.lbl.gov/sites/all/files/lbnl-6350e.pdf)(http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/pdfs/sunshot_webinar_20130226.pdf )
$-
$0.50
$1.00
$1.50
$2.00
$2.50
$3.00
$3.50
$4.00
US Solar Cost German Solar Cost
$ pe
r Wat
tComparison of US and German Solar Costs
Non-Hardware CostHardware Cost
The Cost of Solar in the US
Source: NREL (http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy14osti/60412.pdf)
LBNL (http://emp.lbl.gov/sites/all/files/lbnl-6350e.pdf)(http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/pdfs/sunshot_webinar_20130226.pdf )
$-
$0.50
$1.00
$1.50
$2.00
$2.50
$3.00
$3.50
$4.00
US Solar Cost German Solar Cost
$ pe
r Wat
t
Comparison of US and German Solar Costs
Column1Non-Hardware CostHardware Cost
$0.00
$0.20
$0.40
$0.60
$0.80
$1.00
$1.20
$ per W
att
Permitting & Inspection
Financing Costs
Customer Acquisition
Installation Labor
Solar Soft Costs
The Cost of Solar in the US
$3.3
2
$3.3
2
$3.2
8
$1.9
0
$-
$1.00
$2.00
$3.00
$4.00
$5.00
$6.00
$7.00
2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020
$/w
att
Change in Soft Costs and Hardware Costs Over Time
Soft CostsHardware Costs
No change in soft costs between 2010 and 2012
Soft costs remain nearly 2/3s of installed cost
Soft Cost Takeaways1. Local governments can impact solar pricing
2. Soft costs slow solar market growth
3. There is substantial room for improvement
Benefits of Reducing Soft Costs. Reduced installation costs = increased return on
investment for system owners
Streamlined processes can celiver a time and cost savings for local government staff
Opening your community for solar business can have positive impacts on jobs and economic
development.
Reducing red‐tape for solar can result in improved business prospects for solar companies. Sources: Clean Power Finance
(Spruce); The Solar Foundation, LBNL, NREL
SolSmart OverviewDESIGNATION Three‐tiered designation program Core pre‐requisites and options for pathways to success Annual awards program and special awards available
NO‐COST TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Communities seeking designation can receive technical assistance to help achieve desired tier All SolSmart TA is program‐funded.
SolSmart Advisors Program‐funded temporary staff to help communities achieve designation.
Advisors will evaluate existing local government policies/processes and apply industry leading best practicesthat will move a community toward designation.
SolSmart Advisors will assist communities through engagements lasting up to six months.
Equates to hundreds of hours of in‐person technical assistance for communities receiving an Advisor
SolSmart Benefits Recognition on website
(map/leaderboards) Press opportunities (events/press
releases) Plaques (modules for first 35) Awards for outstanding
achievement No‐cost technical assistance
Consultations available after the session!
Case Study:Brownsville, TX Brownsville, TX had little background in solar. SolSmart helped them work with their three utility providers to determine the process to install solar. Brownsville also created a webpage dedicated to SolSmart (formerly SPARC).
Process
Apply for SolSmart
Referral or interest in SolSmart
Complete Online Intake Form
Qualify for Technical Assistance
Communities matched with technical assistance
Priority given to communities which do not qualify for designation
Request Advisor
6‐months funded staff position for solar support.
Applications in Fall of 2016 and 2017
What are the steps to earn
SolSmart Bronze
designation?
Getting StartedWHAT FORMS DO I NEED TO COMPLETE? The SolSmart “Application” is the only form
your community needs to complete to participate in the program and to receive no‐cost technical assistance.
It’s not really an “application” in the usual sense. All communities are eligible for participation. Our team will work with you as you progress.
Points VerificationSolSmart provides an “Application Appendix,” which provides examples of documentation. You can also select actions where you would like Technical Assistance.
STEP 1: Cut critical red tape via prerequisites. STEP 2: Earn 20 points in the Permitting
category. STEP 3: Earn 20 points in the Planning, Zoning,
and Development Regulations category. STEP 4: Earn 20 points across any of the six
“Special Focus” categories.
The first 35 SolSmart designees receive a decorative SolSmart panel to display in a public building!
EXCLUSIVE PRIZE
Path to SolSmart Bronze
Provide a statement of your community’s solar goals, including commitments to earn designation and to track key solar metrics.
Create and put your community’s solar permitting checklist online.
Review zoning requirements and remove PV prohibition if applicable. Commit to reducing other barriers during next review.
STEP 1: Cut critical red tape via (3) prerequisites.
STEP 1: Cut critical red tape via prerequisites
Path to SolSmart Bronze
Provide a statement of your community’s solar goals, including commitments to earn designation and to track key solar metrics.
Create and put your community’s solar permitting checklist online.
Review zoning requirements and remove PV prohibition if applicable. Commit to reducing other barriers during next review.
STEP 1: Cut critical red tape via prerequisites
Path to SolSmart Bronze
Provide a statement of your community’s solar goals, including commitments to earn designation and to track key solar metrics.
Create and put your community’s solar permitting checklist online.
Review zoning requirements and remove PV prohibition if applicable. Commit to reducing other barriers during next review.
STEP 1: Cut critical red tape via (3) prerequisites.
STEP 1: Cut critical red tape via prerequisites
Path to SolSmart Bronze
STEP 1: Cut critical red tape via prerequisites. STEP 2: Earn 20 points in the Permitting
category. STEP 3: Earn 20 points in the Planning, Zoning,
and Development Regulations category. STEP 4: Earn 20 points across any of the six
“Special Focus” categories. The first 35 SolSmart designees receive a decorative SolSmart panel to display in a public building!
EXCLUSIVE PRIZEPath to SolSmart Bronze
Require no more than one application form for a residential rooftop PV project. (5 PTS)
Review solar permit fees for residential and commercial solar. (5 PTS)
Train fire and safety staff on solar PV. (10 PTS)
Review permitting process for efficiency improvements and reduce processing time to 10 days or fewer. (10 PTS)
Train permitting staff on best practices for permitting solar PV and/or solar and storage systems. (10 PTS)
NOTE: This is not a prescribed path, just an example.
OR
STEP 2: Earn 20 points in the Permitting category.
Path to SolSmart Bronze
Require no more than one application form for a residential rooftop PV project. (5 PTS)
Review solar permit fees for residential and commercial solar. (5 PTS)
Train fire and safety staff on solar PV. (10 PTS)
Review permitting process for efficiency improvements and reduce processing time to 10 days or fewer. (10 PTS)
Train permitting staff on best practices for permitting solar PV and/or solar and storage systems. (10 PTS)
NOTE: This is not a prescribed path, just an example.
OR
STEP 2: Earn 20 points in the Permitting category.
Path to SolSmart Bronze
Require no more than one application form for a residential rooftop PV project. (5 PTS)
Review solar permit fees for residential and commercial solar. (5 PTS)
Train fire and safety staff on solar PV. (10 PTS)
Review permitting process for efficiency improvements and reduce processing time to 10 days or fewer. (10 PTS)
Train permitting staff on best practices for permitting solar PV and/or solar and storage systems. (10 PTS)
NOTE: This is not a prescribed path, just an example.
STEP 2: Earn 20 points in the Permitting category.
OR
Path to SolSmart Bronze
Require no more than one application form for a residential rooftop PV project. (5 PTS)
Review solar permit fees for residential and commercial solar. (5 PTS)
Train fire and safety staff on solar PV. (10 PTS)
Review permitting process for efficiency improvements and reduce processing time to 10 days or fewer. (10 PTS)
Train permitting staff on best practices for permitting solar PV and/or solar and storage systems. (10 PTS)
NOTE: This is not a prescribed path, just an example.
STEP 2: Earn 20 points in the Permitting category.
OR
Path to SolSmart Bronze
Require no more than one application form for a residential rooftop PV project. (5 PTS)
Review solar permit fees for residential and commercial solar. (5 PTS)
Train fire and safety staff on solar PV. (10 PTS)
Review permitting process for efficiency improvements and reduce processing time to 10 days or fewer. (10 PTS)
Train permitting staff on best practices for permitting solar PV and/or solar and storage systems. (10 PTS)
NOTE: This is not a prescribed path, just an example.
STEP 2: Earn 20 points in the Permitting category.
OR
Path to SolSmart Bronze
Which permitting actions would you be interested in pursuing? (Choose up to 3)A. Permitting staff trainingB. Fire and safety trainingC. Permit process efficiency review
and improvementsD. Solar permit fee reviewE. Development of permit form for
solar PVF. All of the aboveG. Not sure
Perm
itting
staff
train
ing
Fire a
nd sa
fety t
rainin
g
Perm
it pro
cess
effici
ency
revie
...
Solar
perm
it fee
revie
w
Deve
lopme
nt of
perm
it for
m for
...All
of th
e abo
veNo
t sure
0% 0% 0% 0%0%0%0%
STEP 1: Cut critical red tape via prerequisites. STEP 2: Earn 20 points in the Permitting
category. STEP 3: Earn 20 points in the Planning, Zoning,
and Development Regulations category. STEP 4: Earn 20 points across any of the six
“Special Focus” categories. The first 35 SolSmart designees receive a decorative SolSmart panel to display in a public building!
EXCLUSIVE PRIZEPath to SolSmart Bronze
STEP 3: Earn 20 points in the PLANNING, zoning, and development regulations category.
Provide clear guidance for solar in historic and special‐use districts. (10 PTS)
Include considerations for active and passive solar in development regulations (e.g. providing guidance for orientation of structures in subdivision regulations). (10 PTS)
Allow solar by‐right and as an accessory use in all major zones, and implement any zoning ordinance adjustments identified through the zoning review to improve solar‐friendliness. (20 PTS, SILVER+GOLD PREREQ.)
NOTE: This is not a prescribed path, just an example.
OR
Path to SolSmart Bronze
STEP 3: Earn 20 points in the PLANNING, zoning, and development regulations category.
Provide clear guidance for solar in historic and special‐use districts. (10 PTS)
Include considerations for active and passive solar in development regulations (e.g. providing guidance for orientation of structures in subdivision regulations). (10 PTS)
Allow solar by‐right and as an accessory use in all major zones, and implement any zoning ordinance adjustments identified through the zoning review to improve solar‐friendliness. (20 PTS, SILVER+GOLD PREREQ.)
NOTE: This is not a prescribed path, just an example.
OR
Path to SolSmart Bronze
STEP 3: Earn 20 points in the PLANNING, zoning, and development regulations category.
Provide clear guidance for solar in historic and special‐use districts. (10 PTS)
Include considerations for active and passive solar in development regulations (e.g. providing guidance for orientation of structures in subdivision regulations). (10 PTS)
Allow solar by‐right and as an accessory use in all major zones, and implement any zoning ordinance adjustments identified through the zoning review to improve solar‐friendliness. (20 PTS, SILVER+GOLD PREREQ.)
NOTE: This is not a prescribed path, just an example.
OR
Path to SolSmart Bronze
Which Planning and Zoning Actions would you be interested in pursuing? (Choose up to 2)A. Guidance for solar and historic
districtsB. Incorporate solar in
development regulationsC. Remove solar barriers from
zoning codeD. All of the above!E. Not sure
Guida
nce f
or so
lar an
d hist
oric d
...
Incor
porat
e sola
r in de
velop
me..
Remo
ve so
lar ba
rriers
from
zoni.
.All
of th
e abo
ve!
Not s
ure
0% 0% 0%0%0%
STEP 1: Cut critical red tape via prerequisites. STEP 2: Earn 20 points in the Permitting
category. STEP 3: Earn 20 points in the Planning, Zoning,
and Development Regulations category. STEP 4: Earn 20 points across any of the six
“Special Focus” categories. The first 35 SolSmart designees receive a decorative SolSmart panel to display in a public building!
EXCLUSIVE PRIZEPath to SolSmart Bronze
STEP 4: Earn 20 points in SPECIAL FOCUS categories. Create a solar landing page on local government
website with goals and local resources for solar development. (10 PTS)
Discuss community or shared solar programs with the local utility. (U‐2: 10 PTS)
Provide consumer protection resources on solar. (5 PTS)
Make inspection requirements for PV available online. (10 PTS)
Provide resources on active solar installers and/or local incentives for solar. (5 PTS)
NOTE: This is not a prescribed path, just an example.
OR
Path to SolSmart Bronze
STEP 4: Earn 20 points in SPECIAL FOCUS categories. Create a solar landing page on local government
website with goals and local resources for solar development. (10 PTS)
Discuss community or shared solar programs with the local utility. (10 PTS)
Provide consumer protection resources on solar. (5 PTS)
Make inspection requirements for PV available online. (10 PTS)
Provide resources on active solar installers and/or local incentives for solar. (5 PTS)
NOTE: This is not a prescribed path, just an example.
OR
Path to SolSmart Bronze
STEP 4: Earn 20 points in SPECIAL FOCUS categories. Create a solar landing page on local government
website with goals and local resources for solar development. (10 PTS)
Discuss community or shared solar programs with the local utility. (10 PTS)
Provide consumer protection resources on solar. (5 PTS)
Make inspection requirements for PV available online. (10 PTS)
Provide resources on active solar installers and/or local incentives for solar. (5 PTS)
NOTE: This is not a prescribed path, just an example.
OR
Path to SolSmart Bronze
STEP 4: Earn 20 points in SPECIAL FOCUS categories. Create a solar landing page on local government
website with goals and local resources for solar development. (10 PTS)
Discuss community or shared solar programs with the local utility. (10 PTS)
Provide consumer protection resources on solar. (5 PTS)
Make inspection requirements for PV available online. (10 PTS)
Provide resources on active solar installers and/or local incentives for solar. (5 PTS)
NOTE: This is not a prescribed path, just an example.
OR
Path to SolSmart Bronze
STEP 4: Earn 20 points in SPECIAL FOCUS categories. Create a solar landing page on local government
website with goals and local resources for solar development. (10 PTS)
Discuss community or shared solar programs with the local utility. (10 PTS)
Provide consumer protection resources on solar. (5 PTS)
Make inspection requirements for PV available online. (10 PTS)
Provide resources on active solar installers and/or local incentives for solar. (5 PTS)
NOTE: This is not a prescribed path, just an example.
OR
Path to SolSmart Bronze
Which Special Focus Actions would you be interested in pursuing? (Choose up to 2)A. Create a solar landing pageB. Discuss community solar with
utilityC. Provide consumer protection
resourcesD. Post inspection requirements
onlineE. Provide resources on active
installers and incentivesF. All of the above!G. Not sure
Create
a so
lar la
nding
page
Discu
ss co
mmun
ity so
lar w
ith ut
i...
Provid
e con
sume
r pro
tectio
n re..
.
Post
inspe
ction
requ
ireme
nts o.
..
Provid
e reso
urces
on ac
tive i
nst...
All of
the a
bove
!No
t sure
0% 0% 0% 0%0%0%0%
STEP 1: Cut critical red tape via prerequisites. STEP 2: Earn 20 points in the Permitting
category. STEP 3: Earn 20 points in the Planning, Zoning,
and Development Regulations category. STEP 4: Earn 20 points across any of the six
“Special Focus” categories. The first 35 SolSmart designees receive a decorative SolSmart panel to display in a public building!
EXCLUSIVE PRIZEPath to SolSmart Bronze
SolSmart Program Status
Basic Statistics 28 Early Adopters
18+ Million Americans
70 Completed Applications
(AS OF 7.6.16)
Application Status
Early Adopter Status
Desired Designation Tier & Population
Designation Tier & Median Income
Median Income and Population
Questions?
What part of the SolSmartinterests you most?A. DesignationB. Technical AssistanceC. SolSmart Advisors ProgramD. Peer Mentor Network
Desig
natio
nTe
chnic
al As
sistan
ce
SolSm
art Ad
visor
s Prog
ramPe
er Me
ntor N
etwor
k
0% 0%0%0%
SolSmart.Org
Criteria Advisory Committee
SOLAR POSSIBILITIES CONSULTING
Brownsville, TXBrownsville, TXBrownsville, TX
SolSmart
Kathryn Wright ConsultantMeister Consultants Groupkathryn.wright@mc‐group.com
Chris WalkerSolSmart Project SpecialistThe Solar [email protected]
Moving Solar Forward In Ramsey County
Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt, Ramsey County, Minnesota
• Ramsey County Energy Values and Vision
• Solar projects to date• Anticipated future projects• Market forces• Opportunities
Today’s Presentation Outline
Ramsey County Board Energy Management and Stewardship Plan
– Adopted 2011– Raise awareness of energy costs internally – Set goals to reduce energy use – Integrate renewable energy into buildings and fleet
– Reduce carbon emissions– Commit to continuous improvement
Background
Ramsey County’s Energy Vision
Ramsey County’s programs, policies, and practices reflect a commitment
to energy stewardship as a cornerstone of healthy and vibrant communities.
• 35 solar thermal collectors
• Provide 40% of total domestic hot water needs for the Law Enforcement Center
• Manufactured in Minnesota
• Used American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds
LEC Solar Thermal Project
• Cooperative solar power
• Metropolitan Energy Coalition led to collaborative procurement with dozens of local and regional public agencies
Community Solar Gardens (CSG)
• Centrally‐located photovoltaic systems owned and operated by private or public developer
• Electricity sold to utility, multiple subscribers purchase solar energy through developer
• Community solar is cost‐effective, but the renewable energy credits stay with the developer
• Long term contracts – in MN generally 25 years• Subscribers hedge energy costs, but some options
are risky if electric prices go down
Community Solar Gardens: Defined
• Collaborative effort among over 30 government entities led by the Metropolitan Council
• RFP issued, developers responded; more demand than supply
• Ramsey County was allocated three small subscriptions, ~319 KWH
• 25 Years at $.01 below electric costs
Community Solar Collaborative
• The County will continue to pursue solar: work is underway to revise the CSG program to allow the renewable energy credits to stay with the County
• The County is also evaluating opportunities for a “behind the meter” project for the Ramsey County Correctional Facility
• As energy prices go up and solar costs come down, will continue to evaluate solar options.
On-Site Solar PV
• Xcel Energy • City of Arden Hills • Ramsey County • Saint Paul Chamber of Commerce • Saint Paul Port Authority • Arden Hills School District • Minnesota National Guard • US Army • University of Minnesota Center for Sustainable Building Research • Minnesota Department of Homeland Security • Energy Resilience Advisory Board (citizen group)
www.RiceCreekCommons.com
A Case Study in Partnership
• Completed a community-driven Energy Integration Resiliency Framework
• 50-year plan to create the largest net-zero energy redevelopment in the state
• Outline plans for a 40-acre solar installation and all-electric residential neighborhoods designed to deliver long-term energy cost savings
• “Primer Tracer” area; ~ 40-60 acres
• Property transferred to County from Federal Government
• Contaminated land to be cleaned
• To be leased to Xcel Energy for development of solar PV site
• 8-12 of MW of electricity
RCC Solar Energy Project
• Zoning and construction regulation is a city function
• 17 Cities in Ramsey County
• Saint Paul is a national Leader in Solar Power
• Aligning the local regulations will allow more development opportunities.
Opportunities for Collaboration
Victoria ReinhardtChair – Ramsey County Board of Commissioners651‐266‐[email protected]
Mary T’Kach Ramsey County Energy and Sustainability Coordinator 651‐266‐1154Mary.T’[email protected]
Solar Energy: A Success StoryYolo County, California
Don Saylor, Yolo County Supervisor, District 2www.supervisor.donsaylor.org
July, 2016
Yolo County
• Population: 210,000• 87% of population resides in four cities• Ten miles from California State Capitol• Home of UC Davis• 83% of Yolo land in agriculture and open
space
County-Wide Solar Project
Challenge:• Rising utility costs • Greenhouse gas reduction goals• Recession – no capital funding available
Key Outcomes:• Own & operate 7MW of renewable energy• Zero-capital investment• Grid positive: produce 152% more energy from solar
panels than use• Expected to generate $60M in revenue over 35 years
Yolo County Justice Campus1.0 MW system, July 2010, $7.5M
Justice Campus (3 buildings):• Partnered with SunPower
• Year 1: Generated $162k above the debt service
• Financed with:• California Energy Commission Loan• Clean Renewable Energy Bonds• Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds• Tax-Exempt Lease Purchase
Health Campus & Grasslands5.8 MW system, 2013, $23M
Health Campus (3 buildings):• 0.8 MW system, May 2013
Grasslands:• 5.0 MW system, July 2013
Funding:• Qualified Zone Academy Bonds • Partnered w/County Office of Edu.• 10% match from SunPower• Requires support for local education
Yolo County Green Power2014/15
Energy Produced:13,751,338 kWh
Energy Used:11,459,448 kWh
Green Power:120%
Impact: Utility Bill Savings
Energy bill savings of $2.7M vs. business as usual
Impact: Revenue Generation
Yolo County produces 120 - 152% more solar energythan it uses
Impact: GHG ReductionAnnually avoid ~12,000 metric tons of CO2
Equivalent to removing >2,500 cars from California roads
Impact: Yolo K-12 Energy AcademyProject SOLAR (Sustaining Our Local Alternative Energy Resources)• Partnership with Yolo County, the Yolo County Office of Education,
SunPower Corporation and others.• Funded by SunPower donation and portion of the Qualified Zone
Academy Bonds (QZAB’s) used to build the 5MW Grasslands Park solar project.
• Educates students about renewable energy technology.• Solar Suitcase program: Learn, Build and Share.
What’s Next
Community Choice Energy• 2016 - creating a joint CCE
with City of Davis.• Enables a greater
proportion of renewable energy to customers.
• Will contribute 45% of the GHG reduction targets.
• Predict lower costs to customers.
• Opportunity to develop local programs and maintain local control.
The Sun Shines On Us All
Lessons Learned• Energy efficiency first
• Creative, non-traditional partners
• Balance environmental concerns
• Align energy demand with production
• Utility provider negotiations
• Helpful funding mechanisms:
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds
Qualified Zone Academy Bonds
• Power generator
Sol Omnibus Lucet
INYO COUNTYSOLAR ENERGY PERMITTING
National Association of Counties – July 24, 2016
Renewable Energy in Inyo County
Inyo County has been a leader in renewable energy planning in California.
Inyo County’s award-winning Renewable Energy General Plan Amendment (REGPA) identifies Solar Energy Development Areas (SEDA) where large-scale solar energy facilities may be sited, based on site-specific studies and environmental review.
The County prepared an Environmental Impact Report to evaluate overall environmental consequences of the REGPA, which streamlines future permitting within the SEDAs.
Public process was key in developing a Plan that had public support. No lawsuits were filed to challenge the project.
The Plan encourages small-scale solar energy facilities.
Inyo County SEDAs
Further Encouraging Small-Scale Solar and Energy Efficiency Through the Department of Energy’s Sun Shot – Roadmap
the County deployed a program to encourage small solar energy systems and energy efficiency for local residents and businesses.
The County developed an expedited permitting process for small-scale solar energy systems and institutes a small-scale solar-friendly zoning ordinance.
In cooperation with Southern California Edison, the County updated its General Plan to incorporate energy efficiency goals, policies, and implementation measures.
Also in cooperation with SCE, the County has prepared an Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund program, and is seeking seed funds to implement.
Inyo County Renewable Energy –Energy Efficiency Website
Next Steps
Further encourage building a network of local contractors to develop small-scale solar and energy efficiency projects.
Work with the City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to better incentivize small-scale solar and energy efficiency in the Owens Valley.
Consider following up on the County’s work on the Sun Shot Initiative and working with the SolSmartprogram.
Community Choice Aggregation?
Inyo County Contacts
Jeff Griffiths, Second District Supervisor [email protected] (760) 937-0072
http://www.inyocounty.us/ http://inyoplanning.org/projects/REGPA.htm http://inyoplanning.org/ERRE.htm