The SF Bay Area counties have issued revised health orders that clear the way for solar, aligning with shelter in place practices in the rest of the state. This includes solar PV, solar thermal, and energy storage. The orders go into effect on May 4 and lasts through May 31.
It is CALSSA’s understanding that the orders will cover Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties, although not all of the updated orders have been posted at the time of this notice. Those that have been posted appear to be identical. As CALSSA reported, Sonoma County has also updated its guidance to allow solar.
The orders specify that essential business includes: “Construction, but only as permitted under the State Shelter Order and only pursuant to the Construction Safety Protocols listed in Appendix B and incorporated into this Order by this reference. Public works projects shall also be subject to Appendix B, except if other protocols are specified by the Health Officer.” (See Section 16.f.V)
We know from the CEC notification, along with CISA guidelines referenced during the first state order in March, that the state considers solar to be essential work, so it is therefore allowed under the county orders.
The orders include specific safety protocols that must be followed for all small construction. Please read those protocols carefully and make sure you are following them at all times. CAL/OSHA also put out new guidelines that we alerted you to yesterday. Those can be found here. It is important to note that while the orders allow for construction to resume, it remains extremely important that our industry continue to be responsible players and actively work to prevent or slow the spread of COVID-19 by adhering to these safety protocols.
In related news, PG&E has resumed doing disconnects for projects in High Fire Threat Districts. CALSSA continues to push state officials to require them to resume this work throughout their service territory.
Finally, the Los Angeles Times did a very thorough story on this issue and all the other challenges to the solar industry today. You can read it here.