City of Delano, CA
DELANO'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 Delano, 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".
Delano 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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2 of 13 Goals In Progress 9 of 13 Goals Achieved |
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Permitting Process[P1] Use a Standard Permit Application Form Specific to PV Systems(18)
General building permit used for all projects
In progress
Consider adopting a standard application form specific to solar PV for qualifying projects under 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] Post Permit and Inspection Process Information and Fee Schedules Online(80)
Limited process information available online.
In progress
Post information on the solar permitting and inspection process online in an easily accessible location. This should include the process steps, timelines, fees, point of contact, and any other pertinent information.
[P6] Streamline Permit Processing Time and Allow Expedited Process for Qualifying Projects(75)
Within 1 day residential, 14 days commercial
City is currently at best practice for residential permit processing time. Consider avenues for reducing permit review and approval to fall within 5 business days for commercial solar projects.t Consider an expedited or over-the-counter permit approval process for qualifying PV projects using a standard application form (see goal P1). For commercial projects, issue or deny permit within 5 business days.
[P7] Base Residential Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(85)
[P8] Base Commercial Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(55)
[P9] Minimize Inspection Turnaround Time(147)
[P10] Offer Convenient Inspection Scheduling(94)
4 hour appointment window
Provide an appointment window of 2 hours or less if possible. Provide real time updates prior to arrival so contractor is aware and prepared.
[P11] Require only 1 Inspection Visit(82)
[P12] Adopt an Inspection Checklist(21)
City currently does not utilize an inspection checklist.
Utilize a standard inspection checklist for PV systems. The checklist serves as a guide for inspectors and installers containing points of emphasis and common issues.
[P14] Understand New Solar-Specific Building, Electrical, and Fire Codes(82)
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1 of 3 Goals In Progress 1 of 3 Goals Achieved |
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[Z4] Incorporate Solar Priorities into Comprehensive or Energy Action Plans(66)
No solar friendly standards for new construction
Solar measures will be included in current planning and climate action plan. Draft by mid 2013.
Continue incorporating sustainable development planning items into the General Plan (through Smart Valley Places participation), and process of working on a Climate Action Plan with the Kern COG. Consider including solar-friendly language and addressing solar for new construction.
[Z5] Update Zoning Standards and Review for Solar Installations(92)
City is in the process of adopting solar-friendly zoning ordinances
Ensure the zoning codes and ordinances that govern solar installations, such as setbacks, height limits and lot use provisions, do not restrict property owners' ability to install solar.
[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)
Not aware of nor publicizes any solar PV loan/finance programs
Will address in 2013 through Richelle as Community Development Director
Explore host of solar loan and financing resources available in your region and publicize these resources to residents and businesses through appropriate municipal channels (e.g.: online; in-person; print, etc.).
[F7] Promote Availability of Existing Solar Finance Options and Evaluation Tools(38)
Not aware of solar finance and evaluation tools
Will address in 2013
Consolidate and provide online tools for potential solar system buyers to evaluate and value solar projects for their homes and businesses. See objective for 1 or more examples associated with this objective.
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4 of 4 Goals In Progress |
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[M1] Support Aggregate Procurement Program for Residential Sector(40)
No working group
Support the creation of a working group of community leaders and funding providers. This group would evaluate options and determine the most viable approach for aggregating residential solar based on best practices to date.
[M2] Support Aggregate Procurement Program for Commercial Sector(6)
No working group
Establish a working group of businesses and commercial property owners to leverage their solar purchasing power by aggregating facilities for solar evaluation and procurement to reduce energy costs while demonstrating community leadership.
[M7] Publicize Solar Workforce Development Resources and Industry Training Tools(21)
No event or online resources
Provide online access to training programs and resources for the installer community and potential workforce and organize an outreach and/or training event in order to generate awareness and understanding.
[M8] Provide Solar Educational Resources to Constituents(77)
No event or online resources
Help promote the availability of online tools and resources for the residential, commercial, and municipal solar markets through existing networks.
Resources
