![City of Merced, CA](https://my.solarroadmap.com//userfiles/Merced_CA_logo.png)
City of Merced, CA
MERCED'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 Merced, 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".
Merced 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 ASTI 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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3 of 14 Goals In Progress 9 of 14 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
Standard application is available for systems <10kW. Using common permit materials, such as checklists and standard plans, across a region reduces permit submittal errors among contractors.
[P2] Make Permit Application Form Available Online(176)
Permit application online
City currently at best practice- see permit application form at https://www.cityofmerced.org/depts/cd/building/building_permit_information.asp
[P3] Allow Electronic Submittal of Application Form(87)
Email submittal available
Will implement with new software in falll 2014.
City at best practice- information for submittal via email is available at https://www.cityofmerced.org/depts/cd/building/electronic_plan_review/default.asp
[P4] Require only 1 Permit Application Submittal(164)
[P5-CA] Post Permit and Inspection Process Information and Fee Schedule Online(40)
Permit and inspection process information available online at Building Division's website.
City at best practice. Guide to permit and inspection process available at http://www.co.merced.ca.us/documents/Public%20Works/BuildingSafety/building_permit_guide_v2011_06_13.PDF
[P6] Streamline Permit Processing Time and Allow Expedited Process for Qualifying Projects(75)
Within 3 business days residential, 5 business days commercial
City currently at best practice. Consider an expedited or over-the-counter permit approval process for qualifying PV projects using a standard application form (see goal P1).
[P7-CA] Base Residential Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(55)
Residential permit fee is $272
City at best practice-- residential permit fees are in compliance with State law.
[P8-CA] Base Commercial Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(37)
Fee cap of $500
City at best practice-- commercial permit fee in compliance with State law.
[P9] Minimize Inspection Turnaround Time(147)
Within one business day; if request is made prior to 6:30 AM, same-day inspection can occur.
City currently at best practice.
[P10] Offer Convenient Inspection Scheduling(94)
Appointment window is 4 hours, within AM or PM timeframe.
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-CA] (AB2188 Mandate) Adopt an Inspection Checklist(13)
City utilizes a general inspection checklist
City uses general inspection checklist, which can be found at: http://www.co.merced.ca.us/documents/Public%20Works/BuildingSafety/building_permit_guide_v2011_06_13.PDF
[P13-CA] (AB2188 Mandate) Allow a Structural Exemption for Qualifying Systems(26)
Initial status is unknown.
For qualifying residential systems meeting certain criteria, allow an exemption from structural analysis or structural PE stamp requirements.
[P14-CA] Understand New California Solar-Specific Building, Electrical, and Fire Codes (Title 24)(55)
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5 of 5 Goals In Progress |
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[Z1-CA] Develop a Local Ordinance that Protects Solar Rights and Access(36)
No local ordinance for solar rights and access
Create local ordinances that go beyond the CA Solar Rights Act and Solar Shade Control Act, which would protect property owners' right to install solar and ensure their property has unobstructed access to direct sunlight.
[Z2-CA] Develop a Local Ordinance that requires Solar Ready Construction(15)
No local ordinance for solar-ready construction standards.
State currently at best practice.
[Z4-CA] Incorporate Solar Priorities into Comprehensive, Energy or Climate Action Plans(45)
Solar development not directly addressed in planning documents
Integrating solar-friendly standards and guidelines into general plans, sustainability plans, and climate action plans, as well as broader local and regional planning efforts that support a growing market in the community.
[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.
[Z6-CA] Update Local Zoning Standards and Review for Solar Installations - Historic and Viewshed Areas(14)
No local solar zoning ordinances and regulations for historic and viewshed areas
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. CA Solar Rights Act requires that local governments use an administrative, non-discretionary review process for on-site solar energy systems that do not place restrictions on visual or aesthetic concerns.
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2 of 3 Goals In Progress |
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[F5a] Explore Implementation of Local PACE Financing Pilot Program (73)
PACE financing not available; no working group established.
Establish a working group to evaluate the potential of a PACE financing program for clean energy upgrades in your jurisdiction based on national examples by local municipalities.
[F6] Encourage Local Financial Stakeholders to Establish New Solar Loan Programs(63)
Limited exploration and sharing of finance program options
Working with IT to upload resources that address solar financing.
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
Working with IT to upload resources
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
Plan to participate in February 2013 workshop
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
Plan to participate in February 2013 workshop
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
Plan to participate in February 2013 workshop
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
Plan to participate in February 2013 workshop
Help promote the availability of online tools and resources for the residential, commercial, and municipal solar markets through existing networks.