52.3°
By Gregory J McFann, Building Official
City of Alameda Planning & Building Department
Green is everywhere. One can not turn on the TV, read a newspaper, listen to the radio, or surf the internet without being inundated with the latest in "being green." So, if you have decided to do your part to reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil, to reduce CO2 emissions, and most importantly for you, to lower your electric bill, now is the time to look at installing solar panels.
The City of Alameda has recently launched several initiatives to assist you in your efforts to make the world a better place. The City Council significantly lowered permit fees for residential solar installations from over $600 to $104. Currently, the Alameda Fire Department, the Planning and Building Department, and Alameda Power & Telecom (AP&T) are collaborating on a comprehensive handout outlining all City requirements for solar installations.
And most importantly, AP&T has a brand new solar rebate program in place to help you offset the cost of solar installations. Late last year, Alameda's Public Utilities Board authorized AP&T's Solar Photovoltaic Rebates Program. Under the program, which is open to all residential and commercial AP&T customers, $4.2 million in rebates will be available over the next ten years to support customers installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
AP&T has issued its first solar rebate check. The rebate, totaling more than $8,000, was paid for a three-kilowatt, 18-panel residential installation in the South Shore area. The entire process, including filing the application, obtaining the permit, actual construction, and final certification of the solar project took less than one month. If you're considering a solar installation, call AP&T at 510-748-3901 to get a free energy audit. It's required, and it's quick, painless, and free.
During calendar year 2008, AP&T staff hopes to provide $420,000 in rebates and benefit from a 150-kilowatt power resource offset. That power would be the equivalent of serving 50 typical Alameda households. Over the next ten years, the utility expects to rebate $4.2 million for solar PV installations and offset the need to acquire 2,127 kilowatts.
Applications will be taken on a first-come, first served basis. Given solar PV economics, most of the applications will likely come from the commercial sector, but AP&T has taken measures to ensure that any interested residential or smaller customer is assured a favorable place in the queue. In the unlikely case that there may be any unused funds, they would be made available in future years.
There are specific requirements for system installations, including efficiency, orientation, tilt, shading, and firefighter access around solar panels. Customers are asked to log on to the AMP website for exact details and to access the application form. Additional permit information can be obtained by calling or visiting the Planning and Building Department at City Hall, which is located in Room 190 on the first floor of City Hall, 2263 Santa Clara Avenue. Planning and Building staff can be reached by phone at 510-747-6850.
