City of Fresno, CA
FRESNO'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 Fresno, 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".
Fresno 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.
|
3 of 14 Goals In Progress 7 of 14 Goals Achieved |
 |
Permitting Process[P1-CA] (AB2188 Mandate) Use Standard Permit Application Materials Specific to PV Systems(32)
[P2] Make Permit Application Form Available Online(176)
Permit application form online
City currently at best practice- electrical permit application and permit signature forms available online at http://www.fresno.gov/Government/DepartmentDirectory/DARM/BuildingandSafety/ApplicationsFormsWorksheets.htm
[P3] Allow Electronic Submittal of Application Form(87)
Electronic submittal not currently available.
City working on new permit application process.
Allow for electronic or email submittal of permit application forms.
[P4] Require only 1 Permit Application Submittal(164)
[P5-CA] Post Permit and Inspection Process Information and Fee Schedule Online(40)
Comprehensive process information available online
City currently at best practice- process information and fee schedule available online at http://www.fresno.gov/NR/rdonlyres/B26824B5-95E0-4E3B-B621-4AB5DCEF65BB/0/SolarPVPolicy_rev.pdf
[P6] Streamline Permit Processing Time and Allow Expedited Process for Qualifying Projects(75)
Within 3 days residential; 6-15 days commercial
Processing time for commercial permits down to average of 9 days
City currently at best practice.
[P7-CA] Base Residential Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(55)
Residential permit fee around $276, based on cost recovery.
City currently at best practice-- residential permit fees in compliance with State law.
[P8-CA] Base Commercial Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(37)
Minimum fee of $276, based on cost recovery.
City currently at best practice-- fees for the first ten panels, electrical fee, and solar plan check is $276, with each additional ten panels costing $87.22.
[P9] Minimize Inspection Turnaround Time(147)
Within 2 business days
City currently at best practice- inspection occurs within two business days of request.
[P10] Offer Convenient Inspection Scheduling(94)
Appointment window less than 8 hours
Provide an appointment window of two 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)
Up to 3 electrical and 3 structural inspections
Inspections down to 2 trips
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)
Limited information on inspections available online.
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.
[P13] Allow a Structural Exemption for Qualifying Systems(41)
Approval from structural engineer required for residential systems.
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)
Current knowledge level of staff regarding recent solar standards unknown
Permitting department understands latest changes to the 2013 California Building, Residential, and Fire Codes that apply to Solar PV installations.
|
2 of 4 Goals In Progress 2 of 4 Goals Achieved |
|
[Z1-CA] Develop a Local Ordinance that Protects Solar Rights and Access(36)
Local laws protect property owner rights to install solar systems as well as solar access.
City currently at best practice-- municipal code protects solar access for property owners.
[Z2-CA] Develop a Local Ordinance that requires Solar Ready Construction(15)
Local solar-ready construction requirements for city-owned buildings
City currently at best practice-- municipal code requires that all city-owned building and facilities are built solar-ready, which go beyond California's "solar zones" mandate in the 2013 Energy Code (Section 110.10). Consider expanding solar-ready construction requirements to all new residential and commercial construction.
[Z4-CA] Incorporate Solar Priorities into Comprehensive, Energy or Climate Action Plans(45)
City in process of adopting update to General Plan
Solar part of 2035 General Plan update. Joseph working on adoption of specific language.
Integrating solar-friendly standards and guidelines into general plans, sustainability 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 solar-specific zoning ordinances
Development code update. Rinaldo is working on this.
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.
|
2 of 2 Goals Achieved |
|
[F6] Encourage Local Financial Stakeholders to Establish New Solar Loan Programs(63)
Commercial PACE financing available through Figtree and CaliforniaFIRST; City is actively marketing
City currently at best practice.
[F7] Promote Availability of Existing Solar Finance Options and Evaluation Tools(38)
City offers tools to assess solar through Home Energy Tune-Up and Energy Watch Programs
City currently at best practice- resources available at http://www.centralvalleyenergytuneup.org/
|
2 of 4 Goals In Progress 4 of 4 Goals Achieved |
|
[M1] Support Aggregate Procurement Program for Residential Sector(40)
No working group
Residential and commercial solar aggregation through PG&E partnership. Group meets weekly.
City currently at best practice.
[M2] Support Aggregate Procurement Program for Commercial Sector(6)
No working group
Residential and commercial solar aggregation through PG&E partnership. Weekly meetings of the group.
City currently at best practice.
[M7] Publicize Solar Workforce Development Resources and Industry Training Tools(21)
No event or online resources
City plans to offer trainings in conjunction with PG&E. Longer term goal to establish clean energy t
City currently at best practice.
[M8] Provide Solar Educational Resources to Constituents(77)
City provides resources at its Sustainable Fresno page, conducts energy efficiency and solar program
City currently at best practice.
Resources
