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Developing Solar Friendly CommunitiesRebecca CantwellExecutive Director Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (COSEIA)

GO SOLAR FEST 6/2014

rcantwell@coseia.org (303) 333-7342

Public-Private Partnership: Cities, Counties, Nonprofits, & IndustryAn innovative partnership launched to address soft costs in 2012 as part of DOE SunShots Rooftop Solar ChallengeGoal: to make it easier, faster and more affordable for citizens to go solarInvolves cities, counties, industry, non-profitsFocused on best practices & educationHelps local governments prepare for the rapid increase in citizens who want to go solarRecognition for local governments who take stepsAsk question. How many of you have 2

Solar Energy: Decreasing Costs Spurring Huge Growth

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Reducing Soft Costs One Community at a TimeThousands of different local jurisdictions: In Colorado alone: 200+ cities, 64 counties and 65 utilities Each has different requirements to go solar and separate individual processes Soft costs account for about 60 percent of the total cost of a typical rooftop system Challenges include:Overworked Permitting Officials Building Offices cut back during RecessionMany competing prioritiesResistance to special rules for solar Lack of understanding of how this fits in big picture Ask question. How many of you have 4

Solar Friendly Communities :A Way to Make Solar Easier An easy-to-follow roadmap of Best Practices Individual outreach, education, coachingA menu of options giving choice to local communities Recognition as a Solar Friendly Community with a relatively low entry bar. Includes road sign, plaque, media attention, public ceremonyParticipation in an ongoing community to continue work

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Benefits to Government and Industry:

Solar Friendly Communities Program:

Offers menu of national best practices no reinventing the wheel or going it aloneReduces unnecessary costs for permitting offices Supports sustainability and environmental goals Promotes local economic development - solar is one of the fastest growing industries in AmericaCities are responding: 14 local governments have been certified representing a population reach of 2 million people. Includes all five biggest cities. Industry buy-in through SFC Discount program: $500 per installation in certified cities Ask question. How many of you have 6

Recognition Events Honor Cities

Four Levels of Recognition for Adopting Best Practices Short bullets no more than 6 bullets and limited text in each. Short bullets no more than 6 bullets and limited text in each. Short bullets no more than 6 bullets and limited text in each. Short bullets no more than 6 bullets and limited text in each. Short bullets no more than 6 bullets and limited text in each. Short bullets no more than 6 bullets and limited text in each. Earn enough points to win designation as a Solar Friendly CommunityDesignationPoints RequiredBronze700Silver900Gold1100Platinum1400The program is flexible and allows participation by both large and small jurisdictionsThese steps add up to four different designations. Based on the actions you take, you can allocate a number of points, enabling you achieve bronze through platinum designations. So, 700 points willl fgive you a bronze, 900 silver, 1100 gold, and anything above 1400 designates your community as a platinum solar friendly community. And as you can see on the next slide, each one of the steps consists of a compilation of actions8

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1. Provide a Checklist of All Permitting Requirements in a Single Location (275 Points)ReasoningExampleHosting up to date solar requirements in a single online location is one of the simplest, easiest ways to make sure installers and customers submit the right information on the right forms the first time. This will save everyone involved in the process time and money. The cities of Philadelphia of Denver offer simple and easy to use permitting checklists that represent different approaches to this best practice.Check out the permitting checklists online. Then, see where your current solar-related documentation is hosted and map out the different web pages, if applicable. Talk to your communitys webmaster about consolidating the information.How to make it happenFirst step: Provide a checklist of your permitting requirements in a single location.

Why? Weve found that. Just by including all the relevant information in one single location or checklist, you can save everyone involved in the processfrom installers to customersa great deal of time and money.

Youll see on our website, that both City of Philadelphia and Denver offer simple and easy to use checklists.

We recommend checking those out on the website then discussing this with your citys webmaster.

This can be a fairly simple process with a lot of payback.

So Fort Collins is a great example of this. All of their information was in 10

2. Offer a standard permit form that is eligible for streamlined review (275 Points)ReasoningExampleBroward Countys GoSOLAR Online Permitting solution provides a one-stop solar permitting process with a single application form, electronic review and approval, and flat fee.Check out national leaders such as Broward County or Solar ABCs Expedited Permit Process for PV Systems on the SFC website and see how it compares to your existing permitting process. If not possible, designate one primary point of contact for installers for standard permits.How to make it happenPermitting processes can add time and money to the installation of solar PV. By standardizing solar permitting, jurisdictions can streamline and expedite the process.

Next step. Offer a standard permit.

The end to end permitting process can be quite time consuming for everyone involved. Given the relatively new and unfamiliar nature of this technology, many questions may arise in the application review process. However, a standardized solar permit can help a jurisdiction quickly navigate the process.

The American Board of Codes and Standards has an expedited permit process for solar pv called Solar ABCs. This is a standard process developed by industry experts and is currently available for your community.

Just a quick show of hands, how many of you have heard of Solar ABCs?11

3. Offer electronic or over-the-counter submittal and review options for standard systems (150 points)ReasoningExampleElectronic or over-the-counter submittal procedures can significantly cut down the time necessary for approval of permits, freeing up time for departments and installers. Santa Clara offers over the counter permitting, enabling installers to walk in with an application and walk out with approval in one visit.Initially, designate a point of contact who is well versed in PV permitting that will be able to turn around approvals or denials in a timely fashion. At the very least, authorize plan checkers to electronically communicate with contractors if an issue comes up. How to make it happen

This next one attempts to expedite the permitting process as well. Should not that, just accomplishing these 3 steps will give you bronze designation.

Step 3:

Our reason for this is that weve seen that the permitting submittal and review process varies considerably. Allowing installers to submit those applications online, allows them to avoid making a trip to the permit office. However, should the installer have to visit the office, implementing an over-the-counter process, which allows the installer to walk in and walk out with a permit, could significantly cut down on time for the department and installer.

Santa Clara offers just this kind of system. Check that out online.

Best practice is to be able to walk in and walk out. A couple other recommendations: try to designate a point of contact who is well versed in PV permitting. Also, if possible, authorize the plan checkers to email contractors with application status updates. 12

4. Issue permits within a specified timeframe (100 points)ReasoningExampleHow to make it happenIf a jurisdiction establishes and states a timeframe for permitting application decisions, installers have a better opportunity to plan their projects. This frees up time and enables installers to clearly communicate project timelines with customers. For a project that meets established criteria, the City of Philadelphia will issue an over-the-counter permit. In special cases, a standard permit will be issued with a 20-day approval timeline. Strive to issue permits the same day or within three days of application submittal. If this is not possible, state a firm policy on how long permits will take on your jurisdictions permitting website.Step 4: Issue Permits within a specified timeframe.

If a jursidiction can set a timeline for application decisions, then the installers will be able to better plan around the process and to communicate expectations to customers.

One example, City of Philadelphia has implemented an over-the-counter permitting process, but for cases that require special attention, the city designates a 20-day approval timeline. Not the shortest timeframe, but the key is that its explicitly stated, leaving no confusion to installers.

Just to get a sense of yoru reactions, what is more likely? Would a same day or three-day process be feasible or a longer timeframe?13

5. Charge actual costs for permits and inspections with a cap on the total (200 Points)ReasoningExampleHow to make it happenFees and costs associated with permitting and inspecting solar PV can create significant barriers to adoption. In some cases, these costs do not reflect the actual time and work associated with the process. By capping the fees and/or charging actual costs, the economics of solar improve. In Sacramento, California, installers pay a graduated flat fee for all commercial and residential systems. In the year since the city started cutting solar fees, permits more than doubled.Understand the specifics of your jurisdictions cost methodology for setting permitting and inspection fees. Some jurisdictions create exemptions for systems that meet standard engineering calculations.

Step 5: Charge actual costs for permits and inspections with a cap on the total.

Here in Colorado, we have the the fair permit act which limits jurisdictions permit fees to its actual costs and caps them at $500. This is a great starting point but some less expected costs, such as use taxes, could have an impact on adoption.

In some cases, these costs do not reflect the actual time and work associated with the project.

Sacramento instituted a graduated flat fee for all commercial and residential systems- so any system up to 10 kw comes with a $280 fee. 10 kw and above requires a $560 fee. Thats for residential. Commercial installations follow a similar fee schedule.

One noteworthy point, In the year that Sacramento instutited these fees, their permit applications more than doubled!

This is a tougher one. So cities will need to understand their cost methodlogies

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6. Replace community-specific solar licenses, if required, with standard certification for installers (25 Points)ReasoningExampleCommunity- specific solar licenses can add unnecessary bottlenecks. Replacing them with nationally accredited standards is simpler and helps establish a national standard of competency for the solar industry. Learn about NABCEP certification by exploring the website. Consider allowing NABCEP certified installers to bypass unique certification and inspection requirements within your jurisdiction. How to make it happenThe North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners has established a national standard for solar installations.

Replace community specific solar license with a standard certification. This can add unncessary bottlenecks to projects.

The North American Board of Certified Energy practitioners has already established a national stnadard for solar installations.

Check that out on our website and consider implementing a system to allow these certifications

Does any one have any questions about this? Is there a community represented in the room that requires a unique certification?

Fort Collins requires all installers to require. Its okay but imagine15

7. Provide inspection checklist that explains unique requirements beyond applicable codes (50 Points)ReasoningExampleSome jurisdictions have unique priorities or interests that are not necessarily clarified by referring to adopted electric or building codes. Specifying these exceptional requirements upfront can help the jurisdiction avoid repeat inspections and allow installers to pass inspections more often.Boulder Countys checklist for PV systems clearly states its requirements for rough inspections. Work with your building department to see if local inspection staff have any unique requirements or interpretations of existing code. Reach out to local installers for feedback to understand any confusion that exists and publish a checklist on the jurisdictions website.How to make it happen

Work on this

Step 7, provide inspection checklist that explains unique requrments beyond applicable codes. This isnt a heavily weighted one, but itsfairly easy to implement

Code interpretation can vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Any installer knows this, so many hav ehad be become familiar with the differences in each.

However, by specifiying the exceptions or unique code interpretations in a simple inspection checklist, communities can help avoid repeat inspections and wasted time.

Bnoulder COUnty has a checklist for their inspection requirements on their website. Weve included it on ours for reference as well.

Simple way to make this happen: work with you building department to understand unique requirements and interpretations of existing code. Then create and publish a simple checklist on the website.

For example, Denver has very specific requirements for stickers. Thats okay, but it helps for installers to know that upfront. 16

8. Specify a narrow time window for system inspection (75 Points)

ReasoningExampleMany communities have unpredictable timelines for when an inspector will come to a job site. That makes it hard for solar installers to plan their projects. By narrowing the window for a system inspection, installers can spend less time waiting on job sitesand that directly translates to cost savings.Denver has a two-hour inspection window, making the city one of the most efficient and timely for PV projects. Start the conversation with the building department and assess the current inspection window. Reach out to local solar contractors to see whats working well and what can be improved upon. How to make it happen

Step 9 specify a narrow time window for system inspection

Given how many inspectors a jurisdiction has in the field, inspection timelines can be unpredictable. This can adversely affect the installers ability to plan his or her project. Narrow timeframe will enableinstallers to plan other projects and determine when and how long they need to be on a site.

Best Practices is two hours.Denver currently has the best practice int his area. A 2 hour inspection window.

We recognize that this isnt a system that many can automatically implement. Particularly those with fewer people on staff. We recommend talking with your building departnment to assess the current inspection window and reach out to local solar contractors to get their feedback as well.17

9. For efficiency, require only one inspection for standard rooftop systems on existing homes and businesses (100 points)ReasoningExampleMultiple inspections add time to PV installations, requiring additional visits and hours on the the job site. Requiring a single inspectionrough or comprehensivecan significantly cut this time. The City of Philadelphia requires a single field inspection for residential projects.If your jurisdiction requires multiple inspections for a PV installation, reassess existing requirements and compare your jurisdiction to analogous communities with fewer requirements. Work with chief engineer and building officials to discuss feasibility of a single inspection. How to make it happen

Similar to inspection windows, multiple inspections can add time to pv installations, requiring additional visits and keeping installers on job sites. By requiring just one inspection (a rough or comprehensive), a jurisdiction can cut down on time. This is an opportunity to rack up some more points.

The City of Philadelphia only one inspection. Another option, which we have here in Denver, is allowing installers to sign an affidavit to substitute for inspectors physically climbing on the roof of a buildilng.

How does everyone in here feel about this one?Is a single inspection possible in your jurisdiction?18

10. Adopt ordinances that encourage distributed solar generation and protect solar rights and access including reasonable roof setback requirements (150 points)ReasoningExampleVarious policies can create a more favorable environment for solar PV. By implementing policies that allow installations and ensure access to solar access, fewer conflicts will emerge in the future. Fort Collins is developing an integrated approach to sustainability and solar programs that includes the city and the municipal utility working together.Work with the local sustainability office, historic preservation advocates, fire officials, and your urban forester to assess the feasibility of adopting policies that explicitly balance potentially competing community desires such as urban forestry, historic preservation and solar access. How to make it happenStep 10. Adopt ordinacnes that encourage distributed solar generation and protect access.

Policies can be implemented that will create a favorable environment for solar PV.

An example of this is Boulders solar access ordinance which places restrictions from new builds within the city. So, if you have pv on your roof, a new building cannot be constructred that would block its access to the sun.

How to make it happen? We realize this kind of policy can be difficult, especially in areas striving for greater density and urban forestry growth. These measures should be discussed with the local sustainability office, historic preservation groups, and fire officials. This latter group being important due to rooftop solar accesss. In the event of a fire, fire fighters may need to access the roof. Jurisdicitons should work with them to develop an agreed upon setback, or clear space on the roof that firefighters can walk around.

Any questions about this?

This is intended for communities that are well on their wayOregon exampleAsk questions Preventing building from going up3-6 feet from the eaves19

11. Educate residents on solar energy by providing information on financing options and projected economic benefits (125 points)ReasoningExampleImproving education and consumer awareness remains critical to the success of solar adoption. Many potential customers lack adequate information on the options available. The City of Santa Monica houses a best-in-class customer education website for interested residents. They also provide educational materials on financing options. Develop tools and resources for website to educate consumers on value of solar and options available. Also consider outreach events. How to make it happen

Step 11 is pretty straight forward and easy to accomplish, but it will also give you some good points.

Improving education and consumer awareness, two things that are lacking in many areas, can help a jurisdiction grow the market for solar.

The City of Santa Monica has done a great job of this. Weve included a link to their website on ours. Youll see that they offer a range of information, from Profiles of customers. Resources, financing information, and links to approved contractors. 20

12. Track community solar development and provide tools showing solar access in your community (75 points)ReasoningExampleKeeping tabs on solar installations helps communities track progress toward becoming a Solar Friendly Community, but it can also be used as an educational tool, showing momentum and potential to customers. Arizona has a state-wide program to track applications for solar installations.Work with your permitting office and utility to quantify solar installations and publicize them through communications channels, such as your website.How to make it happen

Step 12 is fairly simple.

The reason for this one is that as communities track installations of rooftop PV, they can better gaugue their progress toward becoming a solar friendly community. But in doing so, th ey can also create a tool that visually illustrates the momentum of the market.

Arizona has a number of tools for tracking applications and showing level of solar access in areas throughout the state.

How do you make this happen? First work with your permitting office to routinely track solar installations. In conjuction, work with you21

Whats Next? Working on refinements to scale program nationally Enlisting partners to introduce program in other states and provide next-round financing Soliciting ideas to make program applicable to wide variety of communities ellInterested?Rebecca Cantwell-------rcantwell@coseia.orgAsk question. How many of you have 22