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City of Mendota, CA
MENDOTA'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 Mendota, 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".
Mendota is a part of the San Joaquin Valley region.
Community Profile
![Local popuation, per 2010 census data (available at http://www.census.gov/popfinder)](https://my.solarroadmap.com/userfiles/population.png)
![The state goal for electricity production from renewable energy sources](https://my.solarroadmap.com/userfiles/RPS.png)
![The land area of this community](https://my.solarroadmap.com/userfiles/land-area.png)
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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7 of 13 Goals In Progress 5 of 13 Goals Achieved |
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[P1-CA] (AB2188 Mandate) Use Standard Permit Application Materials Specific to PV Systems(32)
General building permit used for all projects
City adopted solar specific PV form in 2013.
Ensure the zoning codes and ordinances that govern solar installations in aesthetically sensitive areas do not adversely affect property owners' ability to install solar. Allow staff members to review and approve applications when possible rather than requiring committee or planning commission review.
[P2] Make Permit Application Form Available Online(176)
Permit application form online
City currently at best practice- solar permit forms available online at http://www.ci.mendota.ca.us/forms.htm
[P3] Allow Electronic Submittal of Application Form(87)
No electronic submittal available
Expect to complete by February 2013
Allow email submittal of permit application forms for qualifying projects.
[P4] Require only 1 Permit Application Submittal(164)
[P5-CA] Post Permit and Inspection Process Information and Fee Schedule Online(40)
Incomplete process information online
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)
15 business days for residential and commercial
Expect to complete by February 2013
Consider an expedited or over-the-counter permit approval process for qualifying PV projects using a standard application form (see goal P1). For all projects, issue or deny permit within 3 business days of submittal for residential and within 5 business days for commercial.
[P7-CA] Base Residential Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(55)
Valuation based fees
Expect to complete by February 2013
Permit fee for residential systems is based on cost recovery or a flat fee no more than $500 for systems <15 kW. Larger systems can be $15 for every kilowatt (kW) over 15 kW. Open-ended valuation based fee structures are inconsistent with State law.
[P8-CA] Base Commercial Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(37)
Valuation based fees
Approach for meeting this goal will be taken to the City Council on Feb 12th
Permit fee for commercial systems is based on cost recovery or a flat fee no more than $1,000 for systems <50 kW, plus $7 for every kW between 51 kW and 250 kW, plus $5 for every kW over 250 kW. Open-ended valuation based fee structures are inconsistent with State law.
[P9] Minimize Inspection Turnaround Time(147)
[P10] Offer Convenient Inspection Scheduling(94)
Appointment window is AM or PM, with real time updates provided prior to arrival.
City is currently at best practice. Provide an appointment window of 2 hours or less if possible.
[P11] Require only 1 Inspection Visit(82)
More than 1 permit inspection
Approach for meeting this goal will be taken to the City Council on Feb 12th
Require only a single permit inspection. If additional inspections are required during installation, conduct in a manner that does not require installer to halt work.
[P12-CA] (AB2188 Mandate) Adopt an Inspection Checklist(13)
No inspection checklist currently utilized.
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-CA] Understand New California Solar-Specific Building, Electrical, and Fire Codes (Title 24)(55)
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1 of 4 Goals Achieved |
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[Z2-CA] Develop a Local Ordinance that requires Solar Ready Construction(15)
Statewide solar-ready requirements for new construction (CA Title 24) starting in 2014
State currently at best practice.
[Z4-CA] Incorporate Solar Priorities into Comprehensive, Energy or Climate Action Plans(45)
Solar development not directly addressed in General Plan.
Include solar development goals in long term planning documents.
[Z5-CA] Update Local Zoning Standards and Review for Solar Installations(32)
No current solar-specific 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)
City is currently exploring finance program options
Expect to complete by February 2013
Encourage local financial institutions to establish loan programs for solar energy systems.
[F7] Promote Availability of Existing Solar Finance Options and Evaluation Tools(38)
Not aware of solar finance and evaluation tools
Expect to complete by February 2013
Publicize the availability of local solar finance options and solar evaluation tools for potential buyers. This can be done via webinars, marketing materials, or by providing links and information online.
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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
Approach for meeting this goal will be taken to the City Council on Feb 12th
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
Approach for meeting this goal will be taken to the City Council on Feb 12th
Help promote the availability of online tools and resources for the residential, commercial, and municipal solar markets through existing networks.