First in a series.
To help establish the solar energy creds of David Haake, Culver City member of the Sierra Club, his electric bill for last month was $1.
He will be one of the most attentive observers in Council Chambers next Tuesday evening at 7 when the City Council takes up the matter of streamlining the rooftop solar permit process – to conform with a new state law, AB 2188.
“One of the major costs of going solar that is correctable,” says Mr. Haake, “is the time and effort put into just getting a permit to put up a solar panel.
“The Sierra Club and Project Permit have been working to advocate for streamlined residential rooftop solar permitting practices that, for example, would put the permit applications online.
“We also want an email address provided,” Mr. Haake said, “so that once the permit is completed, you don’t have to hand-deliver it or mail it in. You can just send a digital copy.”
By Sept. 30, the new law – by Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) — holds that all local governments must adopt a solar ordinance that accelerates the permit process for small residential roofs.
Not surprisingly, California is the largest rooftop solar market in the country with 200,000 buildings covered. It was recently reported that the solar boom has been responsible for creating 43,000 jobs in the state in the last eight years.
But the complex permit process has slowed growth, according to solar activist Monika Darwish, who recently wrote:
“The local permitting process accounts for a significant portion of the cost of going solar today.
“Long waits, high fees, excessive inspections, avoidable paperwork and non-standard practices across different jurisdictions can all add unnecessary costs to what should be a simple, transparent process.
“By streamlining these processes, local governments in Los Angeles County can make it easier and more cost effective for residents to invest in solar power.”
Next: Culver City’s role in solar energy advances
