solar permitting webinar clean power finance

8/6/2019 Solar Permitting Webinar Clean Power Finance

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Simplifying Solar Permitting

Panelists:Doug Payne, SolarTech / Real Goods Solar

Bill Brooks, Brooks Engineering / Solar ABCs

Annie Carmichael, Vote Solar

Host:

Jeremy Neigher, Clean Power Finance

CPF Webinar Event - Dec. 9, 2009



Introduction to CPF

CPF’s Mission• Enable mass market adoption of solar in the US

www.cpftools.com

CPF’s Presence• CPF is the nation’s leading provider of solar software & services• 1000+ solar professionals nationwide• 41% of CA residential installs used CPF

CPF’s Customers• Manufacturers, Distributors, Installers

CPF’s Value• One central location to manage your solar business



Save Time, Cut Admin Costs, Sell More Solar

Leads•Exclusive•Non-exclusive•Res./Sm. Comm

Products•Rebate forms•3D roof images•Solar Insurance

Solar Quoting•CRM / MRP•Latest Policy•Sales Mgmt

Financing•Residential•Commercial

CPF Tools:

Solar Software & Services

www.cpftools.com



Solar Permitting Webinar

Our Speakers:

1. Bill Brooks- Brooks Engineering / Solar ABCs

2. Doug Payne- SolarTech / Real Goods Solar

3. Annie Carmichael- Vote Solar / Project:Permit

4. Question & Answer



• 866-525-2123• [email protected]

• www.CPFTools.com

Contact Info



Solar ABCs Efforts ForTraining Code Officials

Presented by

Bill Brooks, PE

Brooks EngineeringPanel Lead: Code Official Panel, Solar ABCs



Code Official Training• The focus has been to help train electrical inspectors

and building officials tasked with the plan checkingand inspection of PV systems.

• John Wiles of New Mexico State University writesarticles for IAEI Journal and Home Power Magazine.

• Mr. Wiles also provides training of Code Officials.• Bill Brooks also provides training of Code Officials.• A calendar of training events is found on

www.solarabcs.org



Expedited Permit Process for Small-Scale PV Systems

Final Version Available:

www.solarabcs.org/permitting

http://www.solarabcs.org/permitting

http://www.solarabcs.org/permitting



Required Information for Permit

• Site plan showing location of major components on the property.This drawing need not be exactly to scale, but it should representrelative location of components at site (see supplied example siteplan). PV arrays on dwellings with a 3’ perimeter space at ridgeand sides do not need fire service approval.

• Electrical diagram showing PV array configuration, wiring system,overcurrent protection, inverter, disconnects, required signs, andac connection to building (see supplied standard electricaldiagram).

• Specification sheets and installation manuals (if available) for all

manufactured components including, but not limited to, PVmodules, inverter(s), combiner box, disconnects, and mountingsystem.



Step 1: Structural Review ofPV Array Mounting System

• Is the array to be mounted on a defined,permitted roof structure? Yes/No(structure meets modern codes)

• If No due to non-compliant roof or ground mount, submit completed worksheet for roof structure WKS1.



Roof Information:

• Is the roofing type lightweight (Yes = composition,lightweight masonry, metal, etc…)_____________ – If No, submit completed worksheet for roof structure WKS1

(No = heavy masonry, slate, etc…).

• Does the roof have a single roof covering? Yes/No – If No, submit completed worksheet for roof structure WKS1.

• Provide method and type of weatherproofing roofpenetrations (e.g. flashing, caulk).____________



Mounting System Information:

• The mounting structure is an engineeredproduct designed to mount PV modules?

Yes/No – If No, provide details of structural attachment certified by a design professional.

• For manufactured mounting systems, fill out

information on the mounting system below:



Mounting System Information:a) Mounting System Manufacturer ___________Product Name and

Model#_____________ b) Total Weight of PV Modules and Rails ___________lbsc) Total Number of Attachment Points____________ d) Weight per Attachment Point (b ÷ c)_________________lbs (if greater

than 45 lbs, see WKS1)

e) Maximum Spacing Between Attachment Points on a Rail ______________inches (see product manual for maximum spacingallowed based on maximum design wind speed)

f) Total Surface Area of PV Modules (square feet)_________________ ft 2

g) Distributed Weight of PV Module on Roof (b ÷ f)_______________ lbs/ft 2

– If distributed weight of the PV system is greater than 5 lbs/ft 2 , see WKS1.



Step 2: Electrical Review of PV System(Calculations for Electrical Diagram)

• In order for a PV system to be considered for anexpedited permit process, the following must apply:1. PV modules, utility-interactive inverters, and combiner boxes are

identified for use in PV systems.2. The PV array is composed of 4 series strings or less3. The Inverter has a continuous power output 13,440 Watts or less4. The ac interconnection point is on the load side of service

disconnecting means (690.64(B)).

5. The electrical diagram (E1.1) can be used to accurately represent thePV system.



Site Diagram• Drawing does not need to be to scale,

but it should basically show were themajor components are located.• If array is ground mounted, it should

show that it conforms with allowablesetbacks.



One-line Diagram

• Should have sufficient detail to call out theelectrical components, the wire types and sizes,number of conductors, and conduit type andsize where needed.

• Should include information about PV modulesand inverter(s).

• Should include information about utilitydisconnecting means (required by manyutilities).



Major Component andArray Electrical Information

• Inverter information• Module information• Combiner Box• Disconnects



Inverter information

• Model number and manufacturer’s “cut sheets” forthe specific model.• Listing—is the inverter listed to UL1741 and labeled

“Utility-Interactive”? For a current list of compliantinverters, visit the California Solar Programwebsite. www.gosolarcalifornia.com

• Maximum continuous output power at 40 oC



Module information

• Manufacturer’s “cut sheets” for the specific model.• Listing. The module should be listed to UL 1703.

For a current list of modules that are listed to UL1703, visit the California website.www.gosolarcalifornia.com

• Listing label information



Typical PV Module Label



Array electrical information

• Number of modules in series• Array operating voltage• Array operating current• Maximum system voltage• Array short circuit current



SolarTech & ParntersExcerpts from 2 nd Annual Permitting &Installation Symposium

Doug Payne, SolarTech Executive DirectorDecember 3 rd, Commonwealth Club, San Francisco



Agenda

• About SolarTech• Our Approach• Permitting Initiative

– Objective – Symposiums – Industry Call to Action – “The Challenge”

• What’s next?



3

About SolarTech

2006 2007 2008 2009

SolarTech provides innovativeexpertise and accelerates

local solar markets.

We remove barriers, ensuringa long term, sustainable solarindustry.

ll b ld k



Collaboration to Build Markets

Macro Questions:

• What barriers exist relative to the market’s maturity?• What solutions are needed? When? How?• Advocacy? Federal Standards? Local/Regional Systems & Solutions?

Phase 1, Awareness Phase 2: Adoption Phase 3: Acceleration Phase 4: Maturity Phase 5: Sustainability

State PolicySolar Easement,

Net Metering,Interconnect Stds

State PolicySolar Easement,

Net Metering,

Interconnect Stds,Special Contractor

Licensing,Solar America Cities,RPS, Carbon Policy,

Green Building Stds,

State PolicyInnovative Financing,

Solar Easement,Net Metering,


Licensing,Solar America Cities (Y/N),

RPS, Carbon Policy,Green Building Stds,




Licensing,Feed in Tariff,

Solar America Cities (Y/N),RPS, Carbon Policy,Green Building Stds,Decoupled tariffs



Interconnect Stds,Special Contractor Licensing,

Feed in Tariff,DOE Solar America Cities

(Y/N),RPS, Carbon Policy,Green Building Stds,

Decoupled tariffs,Smart Grid Policies and

A d o p

t i o n

M a

t u r i t y

C a p a c

i t y t o D e

l i v e

r

Real vs. IdealCapacity leads or lags?

Inflection points – Soft/Hidden

Costs, Process inefficienciesbecome limiting factors



5

Approach•Collaborative, Working Consortium

•Integrated, Systematic methods•Engage multiple stakeholders:

•Federal/State/Regional/Local

•Unified by issues of common concern

•Explore links between Macro ↔ Micro issues

•Objectives:•An optimal mix of national, state, local policies,

best practices which contribute most to

accelerating markets towards maturity

•While acknowledging local market variances

Permitting

Installation

Workforce

Performance

Finance

Interconnect

MarketLimitingFactors

Standards

Consistency

Guidance

Cost / Time

Quality

Efficiency

Standards: Codes Submittals AHJs



• Level of Collaboration Federal State Regional Local

• Common Problems – Permit process varies significantly by jurisdiction – Many projects take multiple trips to city for each permit – Lack of consistency, transparency, predictability = High Overhead

• How to work together? – Convene Workshops / Symposiums / Summits, Engage local code & elected Officials

– Cross Train Building officials, code enforcement/inspection, Fire safety, & Industry – Standardize forms, unify codes, guidelines to streamlining, optimize for CAFIRST*

• Accomplishments (Completed / Ongoing) – Federal : Solar ABCs Permit Process Guidelines (small scale PV) – SolarTech: Online Permitting, Integration w/Inspection and Interconnection

– Bay Area Climate Collaborative Goal #1 across 100 Bay Area Cities – VoteSolar (Project Permit), Sierra Club (Fees)

Permitting Standards: Codes, Submittals, AHJs,Predictability, Cost/Fees

Result / OpportunityReduce permit times by 50% by 2011

S l T h



SolarTechA System’s Approach to Permitting and Installation

Context of “Upturn”• The economic macro-environment has fundamentally changed.• It will continue to change, shaped by the inter-dependencies of globalization,

technology, and financial systems (and their collapse)• We need massive changes in how we produce, delivering, and use energy• Private/Public Partnerships are essential, everyone has a stake

Key Questions• Can we reshape Permitting, Inspection, Interconnection of solar energy

solutions?• Can we create a fresh approach, a systems approach, a mastery of tools /

best practices / standards enabling a faster transition to a renewable future?• What’s a new way of thinking about Best Practices?

Industry Goals from the SolarTech CALSEIA



Industry Goals from the SolarTech CALSEIAAnnual Summit (May 2009)

Permitting CommitteeReduce permit times by 50% by 2011, resulting in $1-2,000 saved in reduced cost per install for BOTH cities

and solar installers.Installation Committee

Reduce installation time by 20% by 2011, resulting in$.50/W saved in reduced fees.



2009 efforts on Permitting Best PracticesMay 2009 SolarTech / CalSEIA Summit Goals redux (Still Valid)• Permitting Committee

– Reduce permit times by 50% by 2011, resulting in $1-2,000 saved in reduced cost perinstall for BOTH cities and solar installers.

• Installation Committee – Reduce installation time by 20% by 2011, resulting in $.50/W saved in reduced fees.

Permitting / Installation Symposium overview (12/3 San Fran)• Panel 1: "Beyond Fees, Overcoming Challenges for Permitting Adoption“

• Panel 2: "A systems Approach to Installation & Inspection“

• Panel 3: "Off the Shelf Solutions: Streamlined Best Practices for Residential PV"

• Panel 4: “Best In Class: Leading Practices within the Commercial PV Environment”

• " Wrap-Up & Key Takeaways“ – Relative ranking of priorities, “Votes from audience”

– Go Forward and work on….



12/3 Permitting Symposium – Gaps?Anything missing? What could be done better?• More info from the building official community on what is needed

from the industry to make their job easier• Move away faster from antiquated procedures, be willing to change• Product Certifications

– UL struggles with being continually asked for a definition of the “minimum bar” – Product companies put pressure to pull that bar down

– Interesting balancing act – concurrently moving forward – New Product Pipeline – Heads up!

• Literally 1000s of new products in the industry pipeline• Explosion of innovation

– 2008/2009 UL had 6 engineers in PV six months ago, now 100 PV engineers worldwide

– Gap exists between AHJs, Product pipeline, and “Permitting Readiness”

• Making code change – Industry needs to attend focus group meetings to change any gaps – Identifying issues is not enough.

• Need to go where the code officials, inspectors, and AHJ officials go• Get closer to where decisions are made. Industry is invited

Highest Priority?(R l ti % f



Panel 1: Top 3 InitiativesModerator: Jessie Denver, Solar Program Coordinator, City of San Jose

Linking industry and municipalities to remove “us” vs. “them”mentality:

UL educating cities on new products

Contractors joining electrical association organizations

Central entity for dissemination for information of municipal rules,regulations and building codes – one stop shop (including up todate changes in legislation)

State challenge from Governor to mayors to motivate changingattitude in jurisdictions so that streamlined permitting becomes apriority .

(Relative % ofaudience)

10%

20%

65%

5%

P l 2 T 3 I i i iHighest Priority?

(R l ti % f



Panel 2: Top 3 InitiativesModerator: Doug Eakin, Solar Business Development Manager, WielandElectric, SolarTech Installation Committee Chair

Develop best demonstrated practices for roof toppenetrations;

Document uniform inspection standards forauthorities having jurisdiction (JHA) – Engage withlocal government to jointly develop standards;

Craft pre-installation checklist as part of commissioning process for contractors to have on siteto ensure approval on 1 st inspection;


20%

55%

25%

Highest Priority?(Relative % of



Panel 3: Top 3 InitiativesModerator: Greg Sellers, President Burnham Energy

Create on-line permitting solution(s)—stronginterest in expediting implementation for allcities;

Integrate system/front and back end to improvecost and time to market by standardizingprocesses and electronic formatting;

Develop guidelines to ensure information packetsare complete before approaching city for apermit.


75%

10%

15%

Highest Priority?(Relative % of



Panel 4: Top 3 PrioritiesModerator: Marybelle Ang, MPP, Southern California Edison

Focus on project qualification criteria

Build relationship with AHJ

Cities to provide more guidance onrequirements for permitting approval –contractors need to submit correct

information


50%

“No brainer, go do it”

50%



Going Forward, Top Priorities, all PanelsSolarTech will drive these forward in conjunction with members, partners

Topic Area

"Beyond Fees, Overcoming Challenges for Permitting Adoption“

“A systems Approach to Installation &Inspection“

“Off the Shelf Solutions: Streamlined Best Practices for Residential PV"

“Best In Class: Leading Practices withinthe Commercial PV Environment”

Priority (qualitative consensus)

Central entity for dissemination forinformation of municipal rules,regulations and building codes – onestop shop (including up to date changesin legislation)

Document uniform inspection standards

for authorities having jurisdiction (JHA) – Engage with local government to jointly develop standards;

Create on-line permitting solution(s)—strong interest in expediting

implementation for all cities;

Focus on project qualification criteria &Cities to provide more guidance onrequirements for permitting approval –contractors need to submit correct

information

S l T h P itti Ch ll



SolarTech Permitting ChallengeAn Industry Call to ActionSolar Power International 2009, October 27, 2009:

SolarTech challenges industry stakeholders to organize, implement anddemonstrate today’s vision for an online solar permit application and utilityinterconnect process by April 2010, at SolarTech’s Annual Summit.

A successful team and demonstration should include the following:

• Two or more independent software firms providing solutions based on theSolarTech draft specification for online interoperability.

• Partnering with two or more cities or counties in collaboration on implementationand demonstration as consultants.

• A successful collaboration team will include one or more solar integrators.

Open to all interested software vendors, universities, or private groups.Follow the progress at http://solartech.org/blog

http://solartech.org/news/pressreleases/136-accelerating-solar-permitting

Online Permitting



Online Permitting“Interoperability Standard” elements

http://solartech.org/images/stories/pdf/solartech_online_permitting_%20challenge_overview.pdf

Online Permitting



Online Permitting“Interoperability Standard” elements

http://solartech.org/images/stories/pdf/solartech_online_permitting_%20challenge_overview.pdf

G l d Ti li



Goals and TimelineGoal:1. Integrators/contractors can access permit applications for any city or county

AHJ at anytime, online.2. An integrated approach across integrators, cities, utilities and rebate

administrators.Timeline:• Call to Action at SPI October 27, 2009• Requirements, Evaluation Criteria Nov. 13, 2009• Respond w/ “Intent to participate” Nov. 24, 2009• Announce Challenge Participants Dec. 3, 2009

Permit Symposium, SFO• Winning Teams Announced After March 31, 2010• Public Demonstration Annual SolarTech Summit

April 21-22

Open up the solar market Open the online permit solutions market

Partner in pioneering the necessary software standards.



Contact InformationDebbie Lee

Product Manager, SolarTech1290 Parkmoor Ave.San Jose, CA 95126408-655-9130

[email protected]

[email protected] general requests

www.solartech.orgfor downloads and information

www.solartech.org/blogto follow the Challenge progress

Greg Sellers

Permit Committee Chair, SolarTechPresident, Burnham Energy

831-235-3364

[email protected]

http://solartech.org/images/stories/pdf/solartech_permit_challenge_handout.pdf

Will he “Be Back”In 2009 he was



Will he Be Backin 2010?

SolarTech CALSEIASummit

Save the Date!• April 21st & 22nd• San Ramon, PG&E

conference center• 2 day event including new

program – Day 1: System not Silos”

Industry Collaborative Forum• Partner: CalSEIA

– Day 2: Accelerating Time toMarket

• Partners: UL, SEMI PVGroup

In 2009 he wasthere…

Th k Y !



Thank You!Doug Payne

Executive Director, [email protected]

Resources• Permitting

• SolarABCs http://solarabcs.org/ • SolarTech http://solartech.org/initiatives/permitting• Bay Area C.C. http://svlg.net/campaigns/bacc/

• Vote Solar http://votesolar.org/city-initiatives/project-permit/ • Sierra Club http://angeles.sierraclub.org/energy/pvfeereport.asp

http://solarabcs.org/

http://angeles.sierraclub.org/energy/pvfeereport.asp

http://angeles.sierraclub.org/energy/pvfeereport.asp

http://solarabcs.org/



PROJECT:PERMITStreamlining Solar Permitting

V t S l



Vote SolarWe’re Bringing Solar to the Mainstream, Join Us!

www.votesolar.org

America's energy problems — from increasing our energyindependence to fighting global warming — will only be solved by a

national transition to renewable energy. Solar energy -clean,homegrown, and renewable- has the potential to play a large part of

the solution.

Since 2002 Vote Solar has engaged in state, local and federal advocacycampaigns to remove regulatory barriers and implement the key

policies needed to bring solar to scale. Join our online email actioncenter today and help bring solar to the mainstream!

http://www.votesolar.org/




We’re Bringing Solar to the Mainstream, Join Us!www.votesolar.org

FreeEasyEffectual





Permitting Best Practices

Fair Flat Fees

Over-the-Counter Issuance

Solar ABCs Expedited Permit for PV Systems

Electronic Forms

Trained Permitting Staff

Remove Excessive Reviews

Reduce Inspection Appointment Windows

3 h f



3 phases of PROJECT: PERMIT

1. Collect State DataIdentifying current practicesHelp us collect data: http://votesolar.org/solarsurvey/

2. Issue State ReportHighlighting champions and laggardsLaunched in Arizona, up next - Colorado, Pennsylvania and Oregon…

3. Improve Permitting Practices among Worst OffendersWorking with 2 to 4 cities per stateFirst target: Phoenix - supporting local advocates and installers to

improve permitting practices.

http://votesolar.org/solarsurvey/

http://votesolar.org/solarsurvey/



Vote SolarWe’re Bringing Solar to the Mainstream, Join Us!

www.votesolar.org

Annie CarmichaelFederal Policy Director

Vote Solar415-817-5063

[email protected]


mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


solar permitting webinar clean power finance

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