TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all necessary agreements, and any subsequent amendments thereto, with California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE), to participate in the Southern California Rooftop Solar Challenge, Department of Energy (DOE) Award No. DE-EE0005696. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On August 2011, the DOE launched the Rooftop Solar Challenge to accelerate significant improvements in market conditions for solar photovoltaic projects. CCSE submitted a proposal to participate in the Streamlining Solar Standards & Processes: Southern California Rooftop Solar Challenge Project, aimed at stimulating adoption of solar energy by reducing barriers and lowering costs for residential and small commercial installations. The program comes under the DOE SunShot Initiative to make solar accessible and affordable nationwide.
On February 22, 2012, the DOE awarded CCSE $700,001 to lead a fact-finding team of 11 jurisdictions and five utilities across the region in developing guidelines for expedient and uniform permitting and standardizing electric grid connection of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Among the 11 participating jurisdictions, the City of Long Beach received the highest overall scores on all action areas (permitting, interconnection process, finance, zoning, and net energy metering).
The City of Long Beach has made considerable progress on solar projects and initiatives. The City has been working diligently to educate and encourage businesses and homeowners to install solar technology. In 2007, the Development Services Department created a Solar Taskforce to meet rising demands for solar photovoltaic systems and to streamline the approval process for these installations. Emphasis was placed on providing expedited and efficient code verification, while minimizing permit costs and reducing wait time from submittal to approval. The streamlining of the solar permit process has not only resulted in a 22 percent reduction in fees, but has also reduced the time it takes to get a solar permit, altogether resulting in an increased level of customer service for applicants.
As a participant of the Southern California Regional Collaborative (SCRC) team, Long Beach will be working to reduce administrative barriers to residential and small commercial PV solar installations by streamlining, standardizing, and digitizing administrative processes regionally. By sharing our progress and processes, the City of Long Beach can assist to make these improvements regionally as well as being recognized as a leading city in solar.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda Trang on December 18, 2012 and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on December 19, 2012.
SUSTAINABILITY
Long Beach's Sustainable City Action Plan, which was approved by the City Council on February 2, 2010, includes a goal to reduce the City's greenhouse gas emissions, electricity use and costs, to guide our decisions on investments in renewable solar technology, and to strive towards a sustainable Long Beach.
Another goal of the Sustainable City Action Plan is to reduce electricity use in City operations by 25 percent by 2020. The City of Long Beach has been a leader in utilizing solar power and has an accomplished history of incorporating solar systems and technology in City projects.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on January 8, 2013, to execute the necessary documents and authorize participation in the Southern California Rooftop Challenge.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact and no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER