City of Clovis, CA
CLOVIS' SOLAR ENERGY INFORMATION HUB
Find the latest resources and information available for installing solar power and expanding the solar market in the City of Clovis, 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".
Clovis 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 ASTI team has worked in close coordination with the City of Clovis 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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5 of 14 Goals In Progress 9 of 14 Goals Achieved |
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Permitting Process[P1-CA] (AB2188 Mandate) Use Standard Permit Application Materials Specific to PV Systems(32)
General building permit used for all projects
Standard application is available for systems <10kW. Using common permit materials, such as checklists and standard plans, across a region reduces permit submittal errors among contractors.
[P2] Make Permit Application Form Available Online(176)
[P3] Allow Electronic Submittal of Application Form(87)
In-person submittal, but releasing an online permit system soon
Allow email submittal of permit application forms for qualifying projects.
[P4] Require only 1 Permit Application Submittal(164)
[P5-CA] Post Permit and Inspection Process Information and Fee Schedule Online(40)
Incomplete process information online
Provide clear written instructions on permitting and inspection processes along with a checklist of required application materials. Also, provide information on permit fee schedule, along with any rebates and incentives. Ideally, there is easy access from a primary menu page, like: http://www.ci.clovis.ca.us/ServicesAndDepartments/Planning/BuildingPermits/Pages/BuildingPermitsdefault.aspx
[P6] Streamline Permit Processing Time and Allow Expedited Process for Qualifying Projects(75)
[P7-CA] Base Residential Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(55)
[P8-CA] Base Commercial Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(37)
[P9] Minimize Inspection Turnaround Time(147)
[P10] Offer Convenient Inspection Scheduling(94)
Appointment window is given as AM/PM for day of inspection, and can be made online
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)
[P12-CA] (AB2188 Mandate) Adopt an Inspection Checklist(13)
Inspection information can be obtained in person or by mail
City has adopted an inspection checklist
City currently at best practice.
[P13-CA] (AB2188 Mandate) Allow a Structural Exemption for Qualifying Systems(26)
Systems not exempt from structural approval
For qualifying residential systems meeting certain criteria, allow an exemption from structural analysis or structural PE stamp requirements.
[P14-CA] Understand New California Solar-Specific Building, Electrical, and Fire Codes (Title 24)(55)
Aware and accepted solar standards from most recent code cycles
City currently at best practice.
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1 of 5 Goals In Progress |
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[Z1-CA] Develop a Local Ordinance that Protects Solar Rights and Access(36)
No local ordinance for solar rights and access
Create local ordinances that go beyond the CA Solar Rights Act and Solar Shade Control Act, which would protect property owners' right to install solar and ensure their property has unobstructed access to direct sunlight.
[Z2-CA] Develop a Local Ordinance that requires Solar Ready Construction(15)
No local ordinance for solar ready construction
Explore creation of municipal ordinances which require all new homes and buildings to be built solar-ready, which go beyond California's "solar zones" mandate in the 2013 Energy Code (Section 110.10). Starting July 1, 2014, the building codes will require certain new construction to pre-wire for solar.
[Z4-CA] Incorporate Solar Priorities into Comprehensive, Energy or Climate Action Plans(45)
No solar goals in long term planning documents
Integrating solar-friendly standards and guidelines into comprehensive plans, energy action plans, and climate action plans, as well as broader local and regional planning efforts that support a growing market in the community.
[Z5-CA] Update Local Zoning Standards and Review for Solar Installations(32)
No local standards for solar zoning and review
Restrictive covenants must be appropriately minimized in order to maximize local opportunities to harness and benefit from solar energy.
[Z6-CA] Update Local Zoning Standards and Review for Solar Installations - Historic and Viewshed Areas(14)
No local solar zoning ordinances and regulations for historic and viewshed areas
Ensure the zoning codes and ordinances that govern solar installations in aesthetically sensitive areas do not adversely affect property owners' ability to install solar. Allow staff members to review and approve applications when possible rather than requiring committee or planning commission review. CA Solar Rights Act requires that local governments use an administrative, non-discretionary review process for on-site solar energy systems that do not place restrictions on visual or aesthetic concerns.
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2 of 3 Goals Achieved |
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[F5a] Explore Implementation of Local PACE Financing Pilot Program (73)
City working to expand commercial PACE program, now have residential PACE through HERO program
City currently at best practice.
[F6] Encourage Local Financial Stakeholders to Establish New Solar Loan Programs(63)
No known solar loan programs
Encourage local financial institutions to establish loan programs for solar energy systems.
[F7] Promote Availability of Existing Solar Finance Options and Evaluation Tools(38)
City provides solar resource sheet for its constituents.
City has information about solar financing on its solar page.
City currently at best practice. This information can be found at: https://www.ci.clovis.ca.us/Departments-and-Services/Planning-and-Development/Building-Permits
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2 of 5 Goals In Progress 4 of 5 Goals Achieved |
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[M1] Support Aggregate Procurement Program for Residential Sector(40)
No such programs known to exist locally
Support the creation of a working group of community leaders and funding providers. This group would evaluate options and determine the most viable approach for aggregating residential solar based on best practices to date.
[M2] Support Aggregate Procurement Program for Commercial Sector(6)
Looking to leverage Commercial PACE efforts to support work group and solar aggregation
City currently at best practice.
[M6] Explore Installing Solar at Municipal Facilities, Including Landfill and Water Treatment Facilities(62)
Solar PV multiple municipal sites, including police and fire depts., corporation yard
City at best practice. Consider solar feasibility at other municipal sites, such as landfill and water treatment sites.
[M7] Publicize Solar Workforce Development Resources and Industry Training Tools(21)
Limited awareness of these resources locally
City has information about solar trainining opportunity on their solar page
City currently at best practice. Consider providing additional resources for the installer community on the solar page: https://www.ci.clovis.ca.us/Departments-and-Services/Planning-and-Development/Building-Permits/Solar-Information.
[M8] Provide Solar Educational Resources to Constituents(77)
Promoting PACE and Energy Watch programs to business community.
City is promoting educational resources on thier solar page.
City currently at best practice. Consider adding the Solar Roadmap link available on Clovis website: https://www.ci.clovis.ca.us/Departments-and-Services/Planning-and-Development/Building-Permits/Solar-Information
Resources
