Resource Library

This interconnection process checklist from San Diego Gas & Electric, available online, contains a detailed (10) step description of the inspection process and items that will be checked. Click File 1 below to see a snapshot of the webpage with the link highlighted, click File 2 to download the checklist form itself.

This process checklist describes the turnaround time for SDGE interconnection inspections, within 1 week of request.

This is a permit fee schedule which specifically calls out the fee for solar permits at $170 for <10kW and $100 per additional 10kW thereafter. See the yellow highlighted portion at the bottom of page 4. This fee structure is closely aligned with industry recommendations.

The URL above directs to search results for the term "photovoltaic" on Phoenix's website. There are several useful documents: a 1-page guide detailing submittal requirements for PV systems, a 2-page solar permit application form in fillable pdf, a notice from the fire department on new PV regulations from the 2012 International Fire Code, and a couple notices from the building department detailing their structural requirements for PV systems.

This case study illustrates how collaborative procurement of renewable energy systems can help public agencies overcome two barriers at the local governmental level: resource limitations and lack of expertise. Visit the source link below to access the program webpage.

This case study is intended to assist public schools in the process of organizing and executing a collaborative purchase of solar PV systems. This proven model is being implemented by local governments and education institutions across the country to decrease installation and administrative costs.

The City of Pendleton, Oregon installed a 100 kilowatt solar PV system on the roof of its water treatment plant with no upfront capital costs to the city via a solar power purchase agreement (PPA). This case study discusses the business model in which the host customer buys the electricity produced by the PV system rather than the PV system itself.

This 2-page checklist available on Pueblo's Regional Building Department webpage details the PV permit submittal requirements.

The Cash Flow Opportunity Calculator helps inform strategic decisions about financing energy efficiency projects. With the tool, a user can estimate how much new equipment can be financed using anticipated savings, as well as whether the user should finance now or wait for a lower interest rate.

While ESPCs are a widely used project financing mechanism, for those unfamiliar with the contracting process, the impacts on budgeting and cash flow can be challenging to understand. This paper addresses some of the more common concerns regarding the impact ESPCs have on an organization’s operating budget and cash flow. Common questions include, “What happens to operating costs if energy prices go up during the term of an ESPC?” and “What happens if energy prices go down?” To better understand the intricacies of how an ESPC compares to conventional energy budgets, presented are scenarios that demonstrate the effects variable energy rates have on an organization’s ability to cover their utility, and operations and maintenance (UOM) costs.

An example of a model Solar Energy Facility Permit Streamlining Ordinance.

The 21st Century Energy Center at Kern Community College trains individuals for careers in the clean energy and utility industries, with programs for core construction skills, solar photovoltaic installers, powerline workers, wind turbine technicians, as well as technician training for alternative fuels. Trainees are able to earn industry recognized certificates including the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certifications and highly-valued safety certifications.

In 2013, the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power introduced a new program, “Charge Up L.A.! – Home, Work, and On the Go", designed to encourage more widespread installation of EV charging stations at large businesses for their own employees, as well as smaller businesses and multi-family buildings for public use. “Charge Up L.A.!” rebates are available to LADWP Residential and Commercial customers, including multi-family building owners, who install qualified Level 2 chargers (240 Volt) within the LADWP’s service area.

This three page checklist outlines all information and plan requirements for the issuance of a solar PV or solar thermal system permit, and can easily be adapted for use by other jurisdictions.

The City of Asheville waives fees for building permits and plan reviews for certain renewable energy technologies and green building certifications for homes and mixed-use commercial buildings. Waivers for building permit fees may apply to residences with the following designations: HealthyBuilt Home Certification, Energy Star Rating, Geothermal heat pumps, Solar-energy systems, and Wind turbines. These fee waivers also apply to mixed-use commercial buildings if they include residential space. The city will also reduce plan review fees by 50% for any building that is seeking LEED certification. Regular fees must be paid in full but will be rebated upon certification.

This easy-to-read permit application checklist from the City of Berkeley's Building and Safety Division details all of the submittal requirements for solar thermal systems.

The City of Berkeley requires that new buildings, alterations, and additions meet the requirements of the California State Green Building Code (CALGreen), which includes measures for water efficiency and conservation under the jurisdiction of the East Bay Municipal Utility District. Documentation of compliance with CALGreen must be provided with plans submitted for building permits and can be provided with these customized City of Berkeley CALGreen checklists below for residential and nonresidential projects.

Adopted in 2004, the City of Berkeley's Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Resolution laid a framework for responsible purchasing throughout municipal operations. The Energy and Water Savings section, including a statement of Energy Star preference, is section 3.4, found on Page 6.

The Clovis Water Reuse Facility is the first tertiary treatment plant in California to be completed using a design-build-operate procurement method. While the City owns the Water Reuse Facility, a private engineering firm, CH2M Hill, designed and built the $40-million project and will operate the neighborhood-friendly facility through 2018.

The City of Fort Collins, Colorado, is one of few cities in the United States to possess their own municipal level air quality plan, which sets forth policies and strategies related to air quality improvement that guide the development of staff work plans, City programs, budget recommendations, and other implementation strategies. The plan addresses vehicle emissions, emissions from commerce and industry, wood burning, visual air quality, and certain indoor air pollutants and greenhouse gases, and its primary approach to improving air pollution is to reduce total city-wide emissions over the long term.

The City of Fresno has implemented a residential irrigation requirement limiting irrigation to two days/week, irrigation times and uses, and more. This online resource offers specific information and data on allowable outdoor watering schedules and citations for violating water restrictions. The City's goal is to exceed the Governor’s recommended conservation levels by reducing overall consumption by 25%.

The City of Fresno provides a comprehensive list of Water Conservation Resources for everything from water-wise landscape consultation to rebates to interior/exterior water leak surveys. This is an example of services that a municipality can offer to assist residents in complying with water conservation programs and promote reductions to community water use.

This two-page permitting worksheet for EVSE rated at 100 amps or higher contains fields for the unit information, as well as an electrical load worksheet.

The City of Lafayette, CO, maintains a separate and easy-to-navigate web page that outlines the specific permit requirements for solar water heating systems. In addition to listing the requisite structural plan details, the web page also contains information about the permit fee, permit review time, and a designated point of contact.

This factsheet describes the City of Painesville, Ohio and its partners plan to demonstrate vanadium redox battery storage capacity at the 32 megawatt (MW), coal-fired Painesville Municipal Electric Plant (PMEP). Using stored power will enable the facility to attain the same daily output requirement, more efficiently and with a lower carbon footprint.