City of Arvin, CA
ARVIN'S SOLAR ENERGY INFORMATION HUB
Find the latest resources and information available for installing solar power and expanding the solar market in the City of Arvin, whether you're a resident, business, installer or local government agency.
The City is situated in an excellent area for solar due its above average solar energy resource. Transitioning to solar power not only provides environmental benefits like enhanced air quality, but it also delivers a host of economic benefits from green job creation to market development. Below, there is a direct link to the City's interactive policy roadmap designed to increase local solar installations by making it easier and more cost-effective to "go solar".
Arvin is a part of the San Joaquin Valley region.
Community Profile
Residential Solar Potential
Upgrade to LEADER plan to display your community's solar potential.Roadmap
The SSTI team has worked in close coordination with the City to develop a customized, interactive solar roadmap containing guidance on how to transform the local solar market. Each recommendation in the roadmap is supported with relevant reports, case studies, examples, and templates to support local and regional implementation efforts.
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4 of 13 Goals Achieved |
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Permitting Process[P1] Use a Standard Permit Application Form Specific to PV Systems(18)
General building permit used for all projects
Consider adopting a standard application form specific to solar PV for qualifying projects under 10kW.
[P2] Make Permit Application Form Available Online(176)
[P3] Allow Electronic Submittal of Application Form(87)
No electronic submittal available
Allow email submittal of permit application forms for qualifying projects.
[P4] Require only 1 Permit Application Submittal(164)
[P5] Post Permit and Inspection Process Information and Fee Schedules Online(80)
Limited process information available online; no fee schedules posted on website.
Post information on the solar permitting and inspection process online in an easily accessible location. This should include the process steps, timelines, fees, point of contact, and any other pertinent information.
[P6] Streamline Permit Processing Time and Allow Expedited Process for Qualifying Projects(75)
3-5 business days residential, 7-10 business days commercial
City currently at best practice for residential permits. Consider avenues for reducing permit review and approval to fall within 5 business days for commercial permits. Consider an expedited or over-the-counter permit approval process for qualifying PV projects using a standard application form (see goal P1).
[P7] Base Residential Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(85)
Permit fee is valuation based
Base residential permit fees on cost recovery, or if a flat fee is used keep the fee amount under $250.
[P8] Base Commercial Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(55)
Permit fee is valuation based
Base commercial permit fees on cost recovery, or if a flat fee is used keep the fee amount under $500.
[P9] Minimize Inspection Turnaround Time(147)
[P10] Offer Convenient Inspection Scheduling(94)
Appointment window is in AM or PM
Provide an appointment window of 2 hours or less if possible. Provide real time updates prior to arrival so contractor is aware and prepared.
[P11] Require only 1 Inspection Visit(82)
3 permit inspections required
Require only a single permit inspection. If additional inspections are required during installation, conduct in a manner that does not require installer to halt work.
[P12] Adopt an Inspection Checklist(21)
Inspection checklist not available
Utilize a standard inspection checklist for PV systems. The checklist serves as a guide for inspectors and installers containing points of emphasis and common issues.
[P14] Understand New Solar-Specific Building, Electrical, and Fire Codes(82)
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2 of 4 Goals In Progress 1 of 4 Goals Achieved |
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[Z1] Pursue Protection for Solar Rights and Access(72)
State laws protect property owner rights to install solar systems as well as solar access.
Create local ordinances which would protect property owners' right to install solar and ensure their property has unobstructed access to direct sunlight.
[Z4] Incorporate Solar Priorities into Comprehensive or Energy Action Plans(66)
No solar development goals in long term planning documents
Finalizing proposed solar specific language in green zoning ordinance.
Include solar development goals in long term planning documents.
[Z5] Update Zoning Standards and Review for Solar Installations(92)
No current solar-specific zoning ordinances
Once the green zoning ordinance is approved, they will take a look at specific zoning regulations.
Ensure the zoning codes and ordinances that govern solar installations, such as setbacks, height limits and lot use provisions, do not restrict property owners' ability to install solar.
[Z7] Limit Impact of Restrictive Private Covenants(81)
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2 of 2 Goals In Progress |
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[F6] Encourage Local Financial Stakeholders to Establish New Solar Loan Programs(63)
Not aware of nor publicizes any solar PV loan/finance progra
City willing to put financing and evaluation resources and link on city website.
Encourage local financial institutions to establish loan programs for solar energy systems.
[F7] Promote Availability of Existing Solar Finance Options and Evaluation Tools(38)
Limited awareness of solar finance options and solar evaluation tools available to home and business
City willing to put financing and evaluation resources and link on city website.
Publicize the availability of local solar finance options and solar evaluation tools for potential buyers. This can be done via webinars, marketing materials, or by providing links and information online.
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4 of 4 Goals In Progress |
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[M1] Support Aggregate Procurement Program for Residential Sector(40)
No working group
Support the development of a working group of community leaders and financing providers to evaluate aggregated purchasing options for residential solar based on successful case studies (see associated objective for additional details).
[M2] Support Aggregate Procurement Program for Commercial Sector(6)
No working group
Support the development of a working group of businesses and property owners to aggregate their facilities and buying power for solar evaluation and procurement to decrease energy costs while demonstrating their leadership (see associated objective for additional details).
[M7] Publicize Solar Workforce Development Resources and Industry Training Tools(21)
No event or online resources
Reach out to local trainers (such as FIELD) and work to consolidate regional and statewide standards and best practices, provide online as a resource to the installer community, and organize an outreach/training event to generate awareness and understanding (see associated objective for additional details and supporting resources).
[M8] Provide Solar Educational Resources to Constituents(77)
No event or online resources currently available.
City willing to put financing and evaluation resources and link on city website.
Consolidate solar resources and best practices, provide online as a resource to the consumer market (residential and commercial), and organize an outreach/training event to generate awareness and understanding across the community (see associated objective for additional details and supporting resources).
Resources
