City of Watsonville, CA
WATSONVILLE'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 Watsonville, whether you're a resident, business, installer or local government agency.
The City is well positioned for solar market growth due to a mix of renewable energy goals and supportive policies. 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".
Watsonville is a part of the San Francisco Bay Area region.
Community Profile
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.
Permitting Process |
5 of 14 Goals In Progress 9 of 14 Goals Achieved |
[P1-CA] (AB2188 Mandate) Use Standard Permit Application Materials Specific to PV Systems(32)
General building permit used for solar PV projects.
Consider adopting a standard application form specific to solar PV for qualifying projects under 10kW.
[P2] Make Permit Application Form Available Online(176)
Building permit application forms are available online, though no PV specific forms are in use.
City currently at best practice. If a standard PV application form is adopted per goal [P1], make the form available online in an easily accessible location.
[P3] Allow Electronic Submittal of Application Form(87)
City accepts plans through an online digital plan review system.
City currently at best practice.
[P4] Require only 1 Permit Application Submittal(164)
[P5-CA] Post Permit and Inspection Process Information and Fee Schedule Online(40)
Permitting process information available online; fee schedule, inspection requirements are not.
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)
OTC plan review offered Wednesdays for most projects; standard reviews take 10 days
City at best practice for over-the-counter permit approval process for qualifying PV projects. 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)
Flat fee of $129 for residential projects.
[P8-CA] Base Commercial Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(37)
[P9] Minimize Inspection Turnaround Time(147)
[P10] Offer Convenient Inspection Scheduling(94)
[P11] Require only 1 Inspection Visit(82)
[P12-CA] (AB2188 Mandate) Adopt an Inspection Checklist(13)
A standard inspection checklist for PV systems is not currently used.
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.
[P13-CA] (AB2188 Mandate) Allow a Structural Exemption for Qualifying Systems(26)
Approval from a structural engineer is required for all systems
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)
Currently under 2013 California Building Code, aware of solar-specific updates.
City currently at best practice.
Planning & Zoning |
1 of 4 Goals In Progress 3 of 4 Goals Achieved |
[Z1-CA] Develop a Local Ordinance that Protects Solar Rights and Access(36)
State laws protect property owner rights to install solar systems as well as solar access.
Create local ordinances which would protect property owners' right to install solar and ensure their property has unobstructed access to direct sunlight.
[Z4-CA] Incorporate Solar Priorities into Comprehensive, Energy or Climate Action Plans(45)
Watsonville's draft Climate Action Plan includes goals for increased solar development.
City currently at best practice. See http://cityofwatsonville.org/permits-plans/climate-action-plan for more information on Watsonville's Climate Action Plan.
[Z5-CA] Update Local Zoning Standards and Review for Solar Installations(32)
[Z6-CA] Update Local Zoning Standards and Review for Solar Installations - Historic and Viewshed Areas(14)
Over-the-counter review required for residential, minor two-week design review for commercial.
City currently at best practice for zoning review. Ensure that the zoning codes and ordinances that govern solar installations in aesthetically sensitive areas do not adversely affect property owners' ability to install solar.
Financing Options |
1 of 3 Goals In Progress 2 of 3 Goals Achieved |
[F5a] Explore Implementation of Local PACE Financing Pilot Program (73)
Commercial PACE financing available through CaliforniaFIRST, but not residential
City currently at best practice for commercial sector. Recommended exploration of local PACE financing for residential sector.
[F6] Encourage Local Financial Stakeholders to Establish New Solar Loan Programs(63)
Santa Cruz Community Credit Union solar loan program available to regional residents
City currently at market best practice. Information available at http://www.scccu.org/personal/loans-credit/get-green-loans.html.
[F7] Promote Availability of Existing Solar Finance Options and Evaluation Tools(38)
Climate action plan includes promotion of solar finance and evaluation tools
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.
Solar Market Development |
1 of 5 Goals In Progress 1 of 5 Goals Achieved |
[M1] Support Aggregate Procurement Program for Residential Sector(40)
No such programs known to exist locally.
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 such programs known to exist locally.
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.
[M6] Explore Installing Solar at Municipal Facilities, Including Landfill and Water Treatment Facilities(62)
Solar plant installed on wastewater treatment facility and feasibility analysis on a landfill and ai
City currently at best practice.
[M7] Publicize Solar Workforce Development Resources and Industry Training Tools(21)
Limited awareness of these resources locally.
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)
Draft Climate Action Plan encourages increased marketing and publicity for solar education
Implementation of Watsonsville's Climate Action Plan will promote resources for the residential, commercial, and municipal solar markets through existing networks.