https://solarrights.org/solarrightstoolkit/
For solar on your home:
- Here is our FAQ on NEM3, which outlines the deadlines we discussed
- To be eligible for NEM2 and get locked into that program for 20 years, a complete and correct interconnection application must be submitted to your utility by April 14th:
- A signed contract with a solar provider
- A single-line diagram
- A complete California Contractors State License Board Solar
- Energy System Disclosure Document
- A signed California Solar Consumer Protection Guide
- An oversizing attestation (if applicable)
- Construction does not need to be complete by April 14th.
- Here is the information related to the HOA:
Solar Rights Act, specifically section 65850.5(a) and (b) of the Government Code:“65850.5. (a) The implementation of consistent statewide standards to achieve the timely and cost-effective installation of solar energy systems is not a municipal affair, as that term is used in Section 5 of Article XI of the California Constitution, but is instead a matter of statewide concern. It is the intent of the Legislature that local agencies not adopt ordinances that create unreasonable barriers to the installation of solar energy systems, including, but not limited to, design review for aesthetic purposes, and not unreasonably restrict the ability of homeowners and agricultural and business concerns to install solar energy systems. It is the policy of the state to promote and encourage the use of solar energy systems and to limit obstacles to their use. It is the intent of the Legislature that local agencies comply not only with the language of this section, but also the legislative intent to encourage the installation of solar energy systems by removing obstacles to, and minimizing costs of, permitting for such systems.(b) A city or county shall administratively approve applications to install solar energy systems through the issuance of a building permit or similar nondiscretionary permit. Review of the application to install a solar energy system shall be limited to the building official’s review of whether it meets all health and safety requirements of local, state, and federal law. The requirements of local law shall be limited to those standards and regulations necessary to ensure that the solar energy system will not have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health or safety. However, if the building official of the city or county makes a finding, based on substantial evidence, that the solar energy system could have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health and safety, the city or county may require the applicant to apply for a use permit.”
For solar on your apartment building:
- Please note that the same rules would apply related to the April 14th deadline, and this is where that oversizing attestation would come in.
- Here is some information on VNEM for renters.
- For more DIY information, Solar United Neighbors is a great resource
Streamlined Permitting:
- Here is our Streamlined Solar Permitting Campaign Toolkit. It’s your one-stop shop for background info and resources.
- Here is the flyer about the grant, and here is the grant application (it’s a four-page checklist, and that’s it!).
- If you could ask your City Council to apply for the grant to comply with the Solar Access Act (SB 379) and make it faster and easier to go solar, that would be great!
- You also mentioned your work in this field, and I’m wondering if your organization would be willing to sign on to the coalition letter for streamlined permitting? Nearly 50 diverse groups have already