City of Madera, CA
MADERA'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 Madera, 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".
Madera 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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3 of 13 Goals In Progress 8 of 13 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)
No electronic submittal available
Unless electronic payment and signatures can be worked out, would still require in-office visit.
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)
Process information online
[P6] Streamline Permit Processing Time and Allow Expedited Process for Qualifying Projects(75)
4-6 weeks for residential and commercial
Looking at resources.
Consider an expedited or over-the-counter permit approval process for qualifying PV projects using a standard application form (see goal P1). For all projects, issue or deny permit within 3 business days of submittal for residential and within 5 business days for commercial.
[P7-CA] Base Residential Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(55)
Valuation-based; average residential permit fee is $100
City currently at best practice.
[P8-CA] Base Commercial Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(37)
Flat fee less than $1000 + $7/kW over 50kW + $5/kW over 250kW or cost recovery
City currently at best practice.
[P9] Minimize Inspection Turnaround Time(147)
[P10] Offer Convenient Inspection Scheduling(94)
4 hour appointment window
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)
Conduct pre-final inspections in a manner that does not require installer to halt work.
City currently at best practice.
[P12-CA] (AB2188 Mandate) Adopt an Inspection Checklist(13)
No inspection checklist currently utilized.
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-CA] Understand New California Solar-Specific Building, Electrical, and Fire Codes (Title 24)(55)
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1 of 3 Goals In Progress 2 of 3 Goals Achieved |
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[Z4-CA] Incorporate Solar Priorities into Comprehensive, Energy or Climate Action Plans(45)
[Z5-CA] Update Local Zoning Standards and Review for Solar Installations(32)
City intends to incorporate solar into their current zoning ordinance update.
Incorporated examples into draft regulations and will likely be finished June 2014.
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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1 of 2 Goals In Progress |
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[F6] Encourage Local Financial Stakeholders to Establish New Solar Loan Programs(63)
[F7] Promote Availability of Existing Solar Finance Options and Evaluation Tools(38)
Not aware of other finance tools
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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1 of 4 Goals In Progress |
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[M1] Support Aggregate Procurement Program for Residential Sector(40)
No working group
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)
No working group
Establish a working group of businesses and commercial property owners to leverage their solar purchasing power by aggregating facilities for solar evaluation and procurement to reduce energy costs while demonstrating community leadershi
[M7] Publicize Solar Workforce Development Resources and Industry Training Tools(21)
Limited event or online resources related to solar PV.
Provide online access to training programs and resources for the installer community and potential workforce and organize an outreach and/or training event in order to generate awareness and understanding.
[M8] Provide Solar Educational Resources to Constituents(77)
No event or online resources
Educational resources uploaded to City's planning departmental website.
City currently at best practice- solar educational resources available at http://www.cityofmadera.org/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=e9b11ec8-59e3-4856-a174-570af4023219&groupId=10128
Resources
