Resource Library

The Aurora Solar Installations webpage outlines all the permitting and inspection requirements for PV systems, including submittal checklists, inspection guidelines, process description, and links to external resources. Visit the source link below to access the website directly.

These are free, online video tutorials created by the Southwest Technology Development Institute at NMSU. Each video covers a different topic. There are 19 total (as of July 2014), 10 for code inspectors and 9 for installers. Sample topics for inspectors include load side connections, supply side connections, module grounding, 2014 NEC updates, battery back-up systems, and more. Visit the hyperlink in the Source section below to view the menu of available tutorials.

OPA developed the Feed-In Tariff (FIT) Program to facilitate development of renewable generating facilities of varying sizes, technologies and configurations via a standardized, open and fair process. Eligible energy sources include on-shore wind, waterpower, renewable biomass, biogas, landfill gas and solar PV. The FIT Program is open to projects with a rated electricity generating capacity greater than 10 kilowatts (kW) and generally up to 500 kW. The OPA FIT website below is a great information source for those looking to develop a program.

This document contains examples of municipal solar ready ordinances and model ordinance language.

Section 608 of the Oregon Fire Code (see page 9 of attached document) details the fire permit requirements for stationary storage battery systems, which are drawn from the International Fire Code's guidelines. Additionally, the section contains useful definitions of battery storage system types.

The Long Beach Water Department promotes conservation and efficiency through an aggressive public outreach and education program. This site is an example of the various educational campaigns and resources that a jurisdiction can implement to maintain its message in the community.

Single family residential PV systems satisfying certain structural conditions are eligible for over-the-counter permit issuance using a simplified 1-page application form.

The Minnesota Overlay to the Green Communities Criteria has been incorporated into the Minnesota Housing Design Standards, becoming threshold criteria for new construction projects that apply for funding through the Consolidated RFP.

This resource provides an overview of affordable financing options, including low-interest loans and others, as well as the benefits they provide to the local community and its solar market.

This resource provides a program overview of an investor-owned utility-sponsored community solar program. Bright Tucson Community Solar Program offers an easy and affordable way to meet customer electricity needs with locally generated solar power. Tuscon Electric Power customers now have the opportunity to purchase solar power in "blocks" of 150 kWh per month. Visit the source link below to access the program webpage.

Community solar projects create an opportunity to invest in solar energy for many people who can’t currently install a solar PV system on their own rooftop, such as renters and condominium owners. This resource provides an overview of how the community solar model works, explains the various program design options, and offers several case studies.

This resource provides an overview of consumer outreach and education programs and the benefits they offer to the local community and its solar market.

This resource provides an overview of solar industry training and education programs and the benefits they offer to the local community and its solar market.

With on-bill financing (or repayment), property owners borrow money for energy improvements and pay it back over time via their utility bills. Recent programs allow for the loan capital and origination to be provided by a third-party lender; the utility bill simply serves as the repayment vehicle. This resource provides an overview of on-bill financing, which can be used as vehicle for energy efficiency upgrades as well as solar system installations.

With on-bill financing (or repayment), property owners borrow money for energy improvements and pay it back over time via their utility bills. Recent programs allow for the loan capital and origination to be provided by a third-party lender; the utility bill simply serves as the repayment vehicle. This resource provides an overview of on-bill financing, which can be used as vehicle for energy efficiency upgrades as well as solar system installations. 19 pages.

This 2 page excerpt provides a high level overview of the key actions that can be taken to improve solar permitting. Includes tips for creating application and inspection checklists, tips for creating more detailed guidance documents, and links to key success stories.

This two-page primer provides an overview of two of the most popular mechanisms for financing energy efficiency projects in the public sector: performance contracts and tax-exempt lease-purchase agreements. Both mechanisms provide effective alternatives to traditional debt financing, and both may allow public sector entities to pay for energy efficiency upgrades by using money that is already set aside in utility operating budgets.

This report takes a detailed look at current state and local property taxation practices as they apply to solar PV systems, as well as the various issues associated with assessing and taxing them under PV-specific and general property tax laws. It concludes with recommendations for increasing the clarity, transparency, and predictability of the property tax policies and practices with respect to solar PV systems, and the methods that may be employed towards this end. It also has a useful table showing the current policy status in each state.

Revolving loan funds use a source of capital (typically offered by a state or local government) to make direct loans to borrowers for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. As these loans are repaid, the proceeds flow back into the fund and become available for more loans. This resource provides an overview of revolving loan funds.

Solar aggregation—or group purchasing—programs reduce the up-front cost of solar installations by giving groups of individuals or businesses a discounted rate for bulk purchases. This resource discusses the benefits of solar group purchasing programs and implementation tips for local governments.

This webpage offers a brief overview of tax exempt lease purchase agreements (TELPs), a unique lease structure available only to tax-exempt organizations, such as government, education and not-for-profit entities that can be used to finance energy efficiency projects. Leases are structured so that the full cost of the project assets is amortized over the lease period.

The purpose of this document is to acquaint stakeholders and interested parties involved in the development and deployment of energy storage systems (ESS) with the subject of safety codes, standards and regulations (CSR) that can impact their activities. It is hoped that after review of this document, those stakeholders and interested parties will have a more in depth and uniform understanding of safety CSR that can foster improved communications among all ESS stakeholders and foster their working together to realize more timely and appropriate acceptance and approval of safe ESS technology through CSR.

This 3 page excerpt contains a case study from a successful PACE program in Riverside, CA and a guide to getting started

This fact sheet outlines the primary benefits of PACE financing and the basics of implementing these programs with a focus on how they can be designed and funded.

Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing creates a special assessment district that funds the cost of energy improvements for property owners that voluntarily join the district. The owner pays the district back over time through an assessment on their property taxes. The first hyperlink provides an overview of the PACE financing model, specific considerations for local governments, and case studies. The second hyperlink displays a national map that illustrates which states have PACE enabling legislation in place.