barriers to solar energy: a roundtable discussion on the ......a roundtable discussion on the...

Removing Barriers to Solar Energy: A Roundtable Discussion on the

SolSmart Program

Jack MorganProgram Manager [email protected]

202‐942‐4274

www.solsmart.org

SolSmart

Kathryn Wright ConsultantMeister Consultants Groupkathryn.wright@mc‐group.com

Chris WalkerSolSmart Project SpecialistThe Solar [email protected]

What is SolSmart?“SolSmart will create a prominent national

recognition and technical assistance program which recognizes local governments for their efforts in building stronger solar environments around the

country.”

How Familiar Are You With Solar? A. Little to no knowledgeB. Some knowledgeC. Solar expert

Little

to no

know

ledge

Some

know

ledge

Solar

expe

rt

0% 0%0%

Does your local government have solar on public properties? A. YesB. NoC. Don’t know

Yes No

Don’t

know

0% 0%0%

What are the top 3 barriers to solar adoption in your community? A. High upfront cost

B. Lack of education

C. Lack of policy support

D. Lack of utility support

E. Private interests

F. Lack of HOA support

G. Historic preservation

H. Reliability concerns

I. Environmental impact

J. Other High u

pfron

t cos

t

Lack

of ed

ucati

on

Lack

of po

licy su

ppor

t

Lack

of uti

lity su

pport

Priva

te int

erests

Lack

of HO

A sup

port

Histor

ic pres

ervati

on

Relia

bility

conc

erns

Envir

onme

ntal

impa

ctOt

her

0% 0% 0% 0% 0%0%0%0%0%0%

Common Barriers to Solar

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350

High upfront cost

Lack of education

Lack of policy support

Lack of utility support

Other

Historic Preservation

Lack of HOA support

Reliability concerns

Environmental Impact

The Cost of Solar PV

$‐

$2

$4

$6

$8

$10

$12

$14

1998 2015 (H1)

US Average Installed Cost for Residential PV

43% drop in price2010 - 2015

43% drop in price2010 - 2015

Avg. for 2015: $3.50/W (SEIA)

The Cost of Solar in the US

Source: NREL (http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy14osti/60412.pdf)

LBNL (http://emp.lbl.gov/sites/all/files/lbnl-6350e.pdf)(http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/pdfs/sunshot_webinar_20130226.pdf )

$-

$0.50

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

$3.50

$4.00

US Solar Cost German Solar Cost

$ pe

r Wat

tComparison of US and German Solar Costs

Non-Hardware CostHardware Cost


Source: NREL (http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy14osti/60412.pdf)

LBNL (http://emp.lbl.gov/sites/all/files/lbnl-6350e.pdf)(http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/pdfs/sunshot_webinar_20130226.pdf )

$-

$0.50

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

$3.50

$4.00

US Solar Cost German Solar Cost

$ pe

r Wat

t

Comparison of US and German Solar Costs

Column1Non-Hardware CostHardware Cost

$0.00

$0.20

$0.40

$0.60

$0.80

$1.00

$1.20

$ per W

att

Permitting & Inspection

Financing Costs

Customer Acquisition

Installation Labor

Solar Soft Costs


$3.3

2

$3.3

2

$3.2

8

$1.9

0

$-

$1.00

$2.00

$3.00

$4.00

$5.00

$6.00

$7.00

2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020

$/w

att

Change in Soft Costs and Hardware Costs Over Time

Soft CostsHardware Costs

No change in soft costs between 2010 and 2012

Soft costs remain nearly 2/3s of installed cost

Soft Cost Takeaways1. Local governments can impact solar pricing

2. Soft costs slow solar market growth

3. There is substantial room for improvement

Benefits of Reducing Soft Costs. Reduced installation costs = increased return on

investment for system owners

Streamlined processes can celiver a time and cost savings for local government staff

Opening your community for solar business can have positive impacts on jobs and economic

development.

Reducing red‐tape for solar can result in improved business prospects for solar companies. Sources: Clean Power Finance

(Spruce); The Solar Foundation, LBNL, NREL

SolSmart OverviewDESIGNATION Three‐tiered designation program Core pre‐requisites and options for pathways to success Annual awards program and special awards available

NO‐COST TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Communities seeking designation can receive technical assistance to help achieve desired tier All SolSmart TA is program‐funded.

SolSmart Advisors Program‐funded temporary staff to help communities achieve designation.

Advisors will evaluate existing local government policies/processes and apply industry leading best practicesthat will move a community toward designation.

SolSmart Advisors will assist communities through engagements lasting up to six months.

Equates to hundreds of hours of in‐person technical assistance for communities receiving an Advisor

SolSmart Benefits Recognition on website

(map/leaderboards) Press opportunities (events/press

releases) Plaques (modules for first 35) Awards for outstanding

achievement No‐cost technical assistance

Consultations available after the session!

Case Study:Brownsville, TX Brownsville, TX had little background in solar. SolSmart helped them work with their three utility providers to determine the process to install solar. Brownsville also created a webpage dedicated to SolSmart (formerly SPARC).

Process

Apply for SolSmart

Referral or interest in SolSmart

Complete Online Intake Form

Qualify for Technical Assistance

Communities matched with technical assistance

Priority given to communities which do not qualify for designation

Request Advisor

6‐months funded staff position for solar support.

Applications in Fall of 2016 and 2017

What are the steps to earn

SolSmart Bronze

designation?

Getting StartedWHAT FORMS DO I NEED TO COMPLETE? The SolSmart “Application” is the only form

your community needs to complete to participate in the program and to receive no‐cost technical assistance.

It’s not really an “application” in the usual sense. All communities are eligible for participation. Our team will work with you as you progress.

Points VerificationSolSmart provides an “Application Appendix,” which provides examples of documentation. You can also select actions where you would like Technical Assistance.

STEP 1: Cut critical red tape via prerequisites. STEP 2: Earn 20 points in the Permitting

category. STEP 3: Earn 20 points in the Planning, Zoning,

and Development Regulations category. STEP 4: Earn 20 points across any of the six

“Special Focus” categories.

The first 35 SolSmart designees receive a decorative SolSmart panel to display in a public building!

EXCLUSIVE PRIZE

Path to SolSmart Bronze

Provide a statement of your community’s solar goals, including commitments to earn designation and to track key solar metrics.

Create and put your community’s solar permitting checklist online.

Review zoning requirements and remove PV prohibition if applicable. Commit to reducing other barriers during next review.

STEP 1: Cut critical red tape via (3) prerequisites.

STEP 1: Cut critical red tape via prerequisites





STEP 1: Cut critical red tape via (3) prerequisites.






“Special Focus” categories. The first 35 SolSmart designees receive a decorative SolSmart panel to display in a public building!

EXCLUSIVE PRIZEPath to SolSmart Bronze

Require no more than one application form for a residential rooftop PV project. (5 PTS)

Review solar permit fees for residential and commercial solar. (5 PTS)

Train fire and safety staff on solar PV. (10 PTS)

Review permitting process for efficiency improvements and reduce processing time to 10 days or fewer. (10 PTS)

Train permitting staff on best practices for permitting solar PV and/or solar and storage systems. (10 PTS)

NOTE: This is not a prescribed path, just an example.

OR

STEP 2: Earn 20 points in the Permitting category.


Require no more than one application form for a residential rooftop PV project. (5 PTS)

Review solar permit fees for residential and commercial solar. (5 PTS)

Train fire and safety staff on solar PV. (10 PTS)

Review permitting process for efficiency improvements and reduce processing time to 10 days or fewer. (10 PTS)

Train permitting staff on best practices for permitting solar PV and/or solar and storage systems. (10 PTS)


STEP 2: Earn 20 points in the Permitting category.

OR


Which permitting actions would you be interested in pursuing? (Choose up to 3)A. Permitting staff trainingB. Fire and safety trainingC. Permit process efficiency review

and improvementsD. Solar permit fee reviewE. Development of permit form for

solar PVF. All of the aboveG. Not sure

Perm

itting

staff

train

ing

Fire a

nd sa

fety t

rainin

g

Perm

it pro

cess

effici

ency

revie

...

Solar

perm

it fee

revie

w

Deve

lopme

nt of

perm

it for

m for

...All

of th

e abo

veNo

t sure

0% 0% 0% 0%0%0%0%

STEP 3: Earn 20 points in the PLANNING, zoning, and development regulations category.

Provide clear guidance for solar in historic and special‐use districts. (10 PTS)

Include considerations for active and passive solar in development regulations (e.g. providing guidance for orientation of structures in subdivision regulations). (10 PTS)

Allow solar by‐right and as an accessory use in all major zones, and implement any zoning ordinance adjustments identified through the zoning review to improve solar‐friendliness. (20 PTS, SILVER+GOLD PREREQ.)


OR


Which Planning and Zoning Actions would you be interested in pursuing? (Choose up to 2)A. Guidance for solar and historic

districtsB. Incorporate solar in

development regulationsC. Remove solar barriers from

zoning codeD. All of the above!E. Not sure

Guida

nce f

or so

lar an

d hist

oric d

...

Incor

porat

e sola

r in de

velop

me..

Remo

ve so

lar ba

rriers

from

zoni.

.All

of th

e abo

ve!

Not s

ure

0% 0% 0%0%0%

STEP 4: Earn 20 points in SPECIAL FOCUS categories. Create a solar landing page on local government

website with goals and local resources for solar development. (10 PTS)

Discuss community or shared solar programs with the local utility. (U‐2: 10 PTS)

Provide consumer protection resources on solar. (5 PTS)

Make inspection requirements for PV available online. (10 PTS)

Provide resources on active solar installers and/or local incentives for solar. (5 PTS)


OR


STEP 4: Earn 20 points in SPECIAL FOCUS categories. Create a solar landing page on local government

website with goals and local resources for solar development. (10 PTS)

Discuss community or shared solar programs with the local utility. (10 PTS)

Provide consumer protection resources on solar. (5 PTS)

Make inspection requirements for PV available online. (10 PTS)

Provide resources on active solar installers and/or local incentives for solar. (5 PTS)


OR


Which Special Focus Actions would you be interested in pursuing? (Choose up to 2)A. Create a solar landing pageB. Discuss community solar with

utilityC. Provide consumer protection

resourcesD. Post inspection requirements

onlineE. Provide resources on active

installers and incentivesF. All of the above!G. Not sure

Create

a so

lar la

nding

page

Discu

ss co

mmun

ity so

lar w

ith ut

i...

Provid

e con

sume

r pro

tectio

n re..

.

Post

inspe

ction

requ

ireme

nts o.

..

Provid

e reso

urces

on ac

tive i

nst...

All of

the a

bove

!No

t sure

0% 0% 0% 0%0%0%0%

SolSmart Program Status

Basic Statistics 28 Early Adopters

18+ Million Americans

70 Completed Applications

(AS OF 7.6.16)

Application Status

Early Adopter Status

Desired Designation Tier & Population

Designation Tier & Median Income

Median Income and Population

Questions?

What part of the SolSmartinterests you most?A. DesignationB. Technical AssistanceC. SolSmart Advisors ProgramD. Peer Mentor Network

Desig

natio

nTe

chnic

al As

sistan

ce

SolSm

art Ad

visor

s Prog

ramPe

er Me

ntor N

etwor

k

0% 0%0%0%

SolSmart.Org

Criteria Advisory Committee

SOLAR POSSIBILITIES CONSULTING

Brownsville, TXBrownsville, TXBrownsville, TX

SolSmart

Kathryn Wright ConsultantMeister Consultants Groupkathryn.wright@mc‐group.com

Chris WalkerSolSmart Project SpecialistThe Solar [email protected]

Moving Solar Forward In Ramsey County

Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt, Ramsey County, Minnesota

• Ramsey County Energy Values and Vision

• Solar projects to date• Anticipated future projects• Market forces• Opportunities

Today’s Presentation Outline

Ramsey County Board Energy Management and Stewardship Plan

– Adopted 2011– Raise awareness of energy costs internally – Set goals to reduce energy use – Integrate renewable energy into buildings and fleet

– Reduce carbon emissions– Commit to continuous improvement

Background

Ramsey County’s Energy Vision

Ramsey County’s programs, policies, and practices reflect a commitment

to energy stewardship as a cornerstone of healthy and vibrant communities.

• 35 solar thermal collectors

• Provide 40% of total domestic hot water needs for the Law Enforcement Center

• Manufactured in Minnesota

• Used American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds

LEC Solar Thermal Project

• Cooperative solar power

• Metropolitan Energy Coalition led to collaborative procurement with dozens of local and regional public agencies

Community Solar Gardens (CSG)

• Centrally‐located photovoltaic systems owned and operated by private or public developer

• Electricity sold to utility, multiple subscribers purchase solar energy through developer

• Community solar is cost‐effective, but the renewable energy credits stay with the developer

• Long term contracts – in MN generally 25 years• Subscribers hedge energy costs, but some options

are risky if electric prices go down

Community Solar Gardens: Defined

• Collaborative effort among over 30 government entities led by the Metropolitan Council

• RFP issued, developers responded; more demand than supply

• Ramsey County was allocated three small subscriptions, ~319 KWH

• 25 Years at $.01 below electric costs

Community Solar Collaborative

• The County will continue to pursue solar: work is underway to revise the CSG program to allow the renewable energy credits to stay with the County

• The County is also evaluating opportunities for a “behind the meter” project for the Ramsey County Correctional Facility

• As energy prices go up and solar costs come down, will continue to evaluate solar options.

On-Site Solar PV

• Xcel Energy • City of Arden Hills • Ramsey County • Saint Paul Chamber of Commerce • Saint Paul Port Authority • Arden Hills School District • Minnesota National Guard • US Army • University of Minnesota Center for Sustainable Building Research • Minnesota Department of Homeland Security • Energy Resilience Advisory Board (citizen group)

www.RiceCreekCommons.com

A Case Study in Partnership

• Completed a community-driven Energy Integration Resiliency Framework

• 50-year plan to create the largest net-zero energy redevelopment in the state

• Outline plans for a 40-acre solar installation and all-electric residential neighborhoods designed to deliver long-term energy cost savings

• “Primer Tracer” area; ~ 40-60 acres

• Property transferred to County from Federal Government

• Contaminated land to be cleaned

• To be leased to Xcel Energy for development of solar PV site

• 8-12 of MW of electricity

RCC Solar Energy Project

• Zoning and construction regulation is a city function

• 17 Cities in Ramsey County

• Saint Paul is a national Leader in Solar Power

• Aligning the local regulations will allow more development opportunities.

Opportunities for Collaboration

Victoria ReinhardtChair – Ramsey County Board of Commissioners651‐266‐[email protected]

Mary T’Kach Ramsey County Energy and Sustainability Coordinator 651‐266‐1154Mary.T’[email protected]

Solar Energy: A Success StoryYolo County, California

Don Saylor, Yolo County Supervisor, District 2www.supervisor.donsaylor.org

July, 2016

Yolo County

• Population: 210,000• 87% of population resides in four cities• Ten miles from California State Capitol• Home of UC Davis• 83% of Yolo land in agriculture and open

space

County-Wide Solar Project

Challenge:• Rising utility costs • Greenhouse gas reduction goals• Recession – no capital funding available

Key Outcomes:• Own & operate 7MW of renewable energy• Zero-capital investment• Grid positive: produce 152% more energy from solar

panels than use• Expected to generate $60M in revenue over 35 years

Yolo County Justice Campus1.0 MW system, July 2010, $7.5M

Justice Campus (3 buildings):• Partnered with SunPower

• Year 1: Generated $162k above the debt service

• Financed with:• California Energy Commission Loan• Clean Renewable Energy Bonds• Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds• Tax-Exempt Lease Purchase

Health Campus & Grasslands5.8 MW system, 2013, $23M

Health Campus (3 buildings):• 0.8 MW system, May 2013

Grasslands:• 5.0 MW system, July 2013

Funding:• Qualified Zone Academy Bonds • Partnered w/County Office of Edu.• 10% match from SunPower• Requires support for local education

Yolo County Green Power2014/15

Energy Produced:13,751,338 kWh

Energy Used:11,459,448 kWh

Green Power:120%

Impact: Utility Bill Savings

Energy bill savings of $2.7M vs. business as usual

Impact: Revenue Generation

Yolo County produces 120 - 152% more solar energythan it uses

Impact: GHG ReductionAnnually avoid ~12,000 metric tons of CO2

Equivalent to removing >2,500 cars from California roads

Impact: Yolo K-12 Energy AcademyProject SOLAR (Sustaining Our Local Alternative Energy Resources)• Partnership with Yolo County, the Yolo County Office of Education,

SunPower Corporation and others.• Funded by SunPower donation and portion of the Qualified Zone

Academy Bonds (QZAB’s) used to build the 5MW Grasslands Park solar project.

• Educates students about renewable energy technology.• Solar Suitcase program: Learn, Build and Share.

What’s Next

Community Choice Energy• 2016 - creating a joint CCE

with City of Davis.• Enables a greater

proportion of renewable energy to customers.

• Will contribute 45% of the GHG reduction targets.

• Predict lower costs to customers.

• Opportunity to develop local programs and maintain local control.

The Sun Shines On Us All

Lessons Learned• Energy efficiency first

• Creative, non-traditional partners

• Balance environmental concerns

• Align energy demand with production

• Utility provider negotiations

• Helpful funding mechanisms:

Clean Renewable Energy Bonds

Qualified Zone Academy Bonds

• Power generator

Sol Omnibus Lucet

INYO COUNTYSOLAR ENERGY PERMITTING

National Association of Counties – July 24, 2016

Renewable Energy in Inyo County

Inyo County has been a leader in renewable energy planning in California.

Inyo County’s award-winning Renewable Energy General Plan Amendment (REGPA) identifies Solar Energy Development Areas (SEDA) where large-scale solar energy facilities may be sited, based on site-specific studies and environmental review.

The County prepared an Environmental Impact Report to evaluate overall environmental consequences of the REGPA, which streamlines future permitting within the SEDAs.

Public process was key in developing a Plan that had public support. No lawsuits were filed to challenge the project.

The Plan encourages small-scale solar energy facilities.

Inyo County SEDAs

Further Encouraging Small-Scale Solar and Energy Efficiency Through the Department of Energy’s Sun Shot – Roadmap

the County deployed a program to encourage small solar energy systems and energy efficiency for local residents and businesses.

The County developed an expedited permitting process for small-scale solar energy systems and institutes a small-scale solar-friendly zoning ordinance.

In cooperation with Southern California Edison, the County updated its General Plan to incorporate energy efficiency goals, policies, and implementation measures.

Also in cooperation with SCE, the County has prepared an Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund program, and is seeking seed funds to implement.

Inyo County Renewable Energy –Energy Efficiency Website

Next Steps

Further encourage building a network of local contractors to develop small-scale solar and energy efficiency projects.

Work with the City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to better incentivize small-scale solar and energy efficiency in the Owens Valley.

Consider following up on the County’s work on the Sun Shot Initiative and working with the SolSmartprogram.

Community Choice Aggregation?

Inyo County Contacts

Jeff Griffiths, Second District Supervisor [email protected] (760) 937-0072

http://www.inyocounty.us/ http://inyoplanning.org/projects/REGPA.htm http://inyoplanning.org/ERRE.htm

barriers to solar energy: a roundtable discussion on the ......a roundtable discussion on the...

Documents