City of Turlock, CA
TURLOCK'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 Turlock, 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".
Turlock 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 12 Goals In Progress 6 of 12 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
Will address after permit fees.
Consider adopting a standard permit application form specific to solar electric (PV) for qualifying projects less than 10kW.
[P2] Make Permit Application Form Available Online(176)
[P3] Allow Electronic Submittal of Application Form(87)
[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
Make available the solar/ permit process checklist and process on your website.
[P6] Streamline Permit Processing Time and Allow Expedited Process for Qualifying Projects(75)
4 weeks residential and commercial
Issue or deny permit within 3 business days of submittal for residential projects and within 5 business days for commercial.
[P7-CA] Base Residential Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(55)
Valuation based fees
Permit fee for residential systems is based on cost recovery or a flat fee no more than $500 for systems <15 kW. Larger systems can be $15 for every kilowatt (kW) over 15 kW. Open-ended valuation based fee structures are inconsistent with State law.
[P8-CA] Base Commercial Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(37)
Valuation based fees
This was approved and in process of being implemented.
Permit fee for commercial systems is based on cost recovery or a flat fee no more than $1,000 for systems <50 kW, plus $7 for every kW between 51 kW and 250 kW, plus $5 for every kW over 250 kW. Open-ended valuation based fee structures are inconsistent with State law.
[P9] Minimize Inspection Turnaround Time(147)
[P10] Offer Convenient Inspection Scheduling(94)
[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.
[P14-CA] Understand New California Solar-Specific Building, Electrical, and Fire Codes (Title 24)(55)
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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)
No current solar-specific zoning ordinances
Restrictive covenants must be appropriately minimized in order to maximize local opportunities to harness and benefit from solar energy.
[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)
Turlock Irrigation District offers solar financing
City currently at market best practice.
[F7] Promote Availability of Existing Solar Finance Options and Evaluation Tools(38)
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4 of 4 Goals In Progress |
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[M1] Support Aggregate Procurement Program for Residential Sector(40)
[M2] Support Aggregate Procurement Program for Commercial Sector(6)
[M7] Publicize Solar Workforce Development Resources and Industry Training Tools(21)
[M8] Provide Solar Educational Resources to Constituents(77)
Resources
