City of Greensboro, NC

Initial Status: There is a standard building permit application form, but nothing specific to PV currently

Guidance: Consider adopting a standard application form specific to solar PV for qualifying projects under 10kW.

Initial Status: Building permit application forms are available online

Guidance: If a PV-specific form is adopted per goal [P1], make this form available electronically as well.

Initial Status: Online submittal is available

Initial Status: Several separate submittals are required

Guidance: Consolidate the submittal process so only a single application submittal is required. If multiple departments review the application, manage the routing internally.

Initial Status: The Engineering and Inspections Department has a nice section on the City website

Guidance: Applications forms, fee information, point of contact, and other useful information is provided online. Consider expanding this section with information on solar-specific permitting and inspection standards, if relevant.

Initial Status: Typical turnaround times are over 2 weeks

Guidance: Current processing times are long for simple residential projects. Consider an expedited or over-the-counter permit approval process for qualifying PV projects using a standard application form.

Initial Status: Fee structure is valuation open ended, though typical fees are only around $150

Guidance: Fee level is reasonable

Initial Status: Fee structure is valuation open ended

Guidance: Fee level could become prohibitive for larger commercial and industrial projects. Consider basing the fee on cost recovery or capping the valuation based fee at a set level.

Initial Status: Inspections completed within 2 days of request

Initial Status: A full day window is provided

Guidance: If the contractor is required to be present for the inspeciton, try to provide narrower windows when possible or consider providing real time updates prior to arrival so contractor is aware and prepared.

Initial Status: A comprehensive final inspection is conducted

Initial Status: No inspection checklist currently in use

Guidance: 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.

Initial Status: Structural PE approval is required for most systems

Guidance: For qualifying residential systems meeting certain criteria, allow an exemption from structural analysis or structural PE stamp requirements.

Initial Status: Town follows 2012 versions of NC Building Codes

Guidance: City officials seem to have a good knowledge base for solar standards. For ongoing education, see the online resources under the Take Action link at right.

Initial Status: State laws provide protection for residential solar energy systems not visible from the street

Guidance: State laws SB 670 (2007) and HB 1387 (2009) provide protection from local restrictions for solar energy systems which are not visible from the street. Municipalities are able to regulate systems (roof or ground mounted) that are visible from public areas, at least to the extent that they do not prevent a reasonable installation. This protection seems to be sufficient and the City does not have any restrictive policies in place.

Initial Status: No such standards are in place currently

Guidance: Explore creation of municipal ordinances which require new homes and buildings to be built solar-ready; see examples under the Take Action link at right.

Initial Status: No solar or energy goals exist currently

Guidance: Include solar development goals in long term planning documents

Initial Status: Zoning code does not specifically address solar, but existing regulations do not restrict solar

Guidance: While the existing zoning codes and ordinances do not address solar, there do not seem to be any setbacks, height limits, lot use provisions, or other measures that restrict property owners' ability to install solar. The North Carolina Solar Center published a template ordinance for development standards for PV systems. Reference this document or other examples at right if interested in proactively addressing solar energy systems.

Initial Status: The Historic Preservation Commission reviews solar installations in a few neighborhoods

Guidance: Standards for PV systems in Historic Districts recommend installations on rear elevations, however exceptions have been granted in the past for reasonable installations. Consider allowing staff members to review and approve applications when possible rather than requiring committee or planning commission review.

Initial Status: Unknown whether any local associations restrict solar

Guidance: State law provides protection from deeds or covenants only for systems which are not visible from the street. Private HOA groups can regulate the screening and location of systems visible from the street to the extent that they do not prevent a reasonable installation. Work with condo owner and homeowners associations to ensure that their covenant, conditions, and restrictions and bylaws do not create undue barriers to solar installations.

Initial Status: Third party finance not allowed, though legislation has been proposed

Guidance: House bill 245 (The Energy Freedom Act, introduced in March 2015) would have opened up North Carolina electricity markets to third party sales of electricity. This bill did not make it out of committee, but there are plans to reintroduce in 2016. Support the passage of this Bill.

Initial Status: Admirals Bank and Self Help Credit Union offer solar loans

Guidance: Effective local finance programs in place. Vendor finance is likely to come to the area after 3rd party finance is allowed.

Initial Status: Some awareness within the community currently

Guidance: 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. See content examples under the Take Action link at right and talk to the Solar Roadmap team for ideas on customized content for Greensboro.

Initial Status: Solarize Triad offered a residential bulk purchase program to residents of Greensboro

Guidance: In NC WARN’s 2015 Solarize Triad program, a total of 250 Triad residents enrolled and 27 of them signed solar installation contracts for a total of 145 kW. Learn more here: http://solarize-nc.org/solarize-triad/

Initial Status: No such programs known to exist locally

Guidance: Consider collaborating with agencies across the region to aggregate government facilities, including municipal buildings and schools, for solar evaluation and cost-effective procurement to demonstrate leadership and reduce energy costs while strengthening the economy and environment. The Solar Roadmap team can provide guidance on this type of procurement and help to launch a regional group.

Initial Status: Solar has been installed at bus stops, greenway lights, and on schools

Guidance: City has a great start on integrating solar. Drawing on this initial experience, consider exploring solar feasibility at additional sites. Per goal [M3] consider working with other local agencies on a collaborative procurement to reduce costs even further. The Solar Roadmap team can help by evaluating solar potential at City properties.

Initial Status: There are many resources in the region for solar information