In a show of solidarity for our medical professionals, California solar and storage industry leaders have stepped up to the plate to donate masks and other critically needed equipment to our under-resourced hospitals around the state. A big thank you to Citadel, CPS America, Engie Storage, Luminalt, Tesla, and Utility API for your leadership. Are there others who have made or can make donations of masks or ventilators? Email me!
Industry Leaders Step Up To Support Our Hospitals - More Needed!
Will Congress Take Action via the ITC?
The California solar and storage industry is made up of tough, resilient and clever people. However, the ever-deepening impacts of the COVID-19 crisis is hurting all of our companies all across the state and country. To help ameliorate these impacts, CALSSA sent a letter to the entire California congressional delegation urging their support of modifications to the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) by making it direct pay or refundable, at least temporarily, as well as restoring the ITC to 30% and delaying its phase down. Currently, 15 out of 53 have members of the Congressional Delegation have signed one of two letters in support of modifying the ITC. Please take the time to reach out to your local member of congress to urge their support.
A Time for “No-Touch Permitting”
Now that CALSSA has provided the solar industry clarity regarding the Shelter in Place orders, our focus turns to building departments and the permitting process. Governor Newsom’s clarification on the Essential Services exemption includes workers that “ensure continuity of building functions,” which we assume to include building departments. However, many building departments across the state are closing due to COVID-19, causing major disruption to the construction industry at-large. CALSSA is collecting real-time data from around the state as to which building departments are currently shut down, which remain open, and which are open but under new restrictions. If you haven’t already, please send us your input by filling out this Google form.
Meanwhile, the COVID-19 experience underscores the importance of shifting California’s permitting and inspection toward a more streamlined, virtualized process. Permitting in this “new normal” environment aligns well with what CALSSA has long advocated for: “no touch,” aka streamlined permitting to both protect public health and lower soft costs.
What can building departments do to reduce “face to face” interactions but still protect public safety and ensure quality installations?
1) Accept permit applications online: Building departments can set up an email address or online platform to accept permit applications. Another department in their local government might have a platform they can use.
2) Issue permits online: Plan checkers can review applications and issue permits or corrections via email or the online platform.
3) Allow application fees to be paid virtually: Building departments can accept payments online or over the phone. Other local government departments like property tax collection might be able to help set up this system. Alternatively, building departments can accept checks via the mail or waive permit fees.
4) Shift inspections to photos or live videos: Contractors can take photos of the installation and/or provide the inspector a live video tour (via Google Hangouts, Skype, FaceTime, etc.) for inspection. Here are some examples from Los Angeles County, New York, and North Las Vegas.
5) Consider a one-page permitting application: Many jurisdictions have already adopted a one-page permitting application, which allows for a simplified and fast online approval. Here’s an example from the City of Oceanside.
What can solar and storage contractors do?
1) Have conversations with your local building departments: As building departments take steps to carry out their responsibilities while following social distancing protocols, they could benefit from instating no-touch permitting practices. We are hearing from our members that you are having conversations with building officials and their staff about the types of no-touch permitting, the success of no-touch permitting in other jurisdictions, and encouraging them to follow suit. Keep it up!
2) Let us know how building departments are operating today: CALSSA is crowdsourcing information on which no-touch permitting processes every jurisdiction in California has adopted. We can use the information you provide to work with specific jurisdictions on implementing no-touch permitting. Also, we will post the information online so you can know which building departments are open for business and how to conduct that business. Please help us by filling out the Google form.
3) Promote the SolarAPP: Since last summer, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, under the guidance of CALSSA and other industry players, has been developing a solar permitting platform called SolarAPP. Once completed, SolarAPP will be available to all jurisdictions, and we plan to update the software functionality to include energy storage systems, solar thermal, and other clean energy technologies. For jurisdictions looking for a no-cost permitting platform, you can start pitching them on the SolarAPP. A beta version will be available in July. A one-pager you can share with building departments is available here.
Donate Your Stockpiled Masks Today
Hospitals around California are running desperately low on supplies of filtering facepiece respirators (commonly known as "N-95 masks") and other kinds of personal protective equipment (PPE). The need is only expected to increase over the next few days and weeks.
Many solar and storage companies have a stockpile of respirators/PPE. You may have bought them recently before it became clear that PPE was in short supply at hospitals locally.
To help out, volunteers are organizing donation drives all around the state (and country) to collect donated items. Our friend Nick Chaset, CEO of East Bay Community Energy, reached out to me with this request for help and offered to connect the CALSSA-generated donations with a needy hospital in your area. Email us TODAY with your donation and/or to ask us questions.
Please note: You don’t have to get rid of your entire stockpile if you are going to need them over the next few weeks. We ask that you keep only what you need and donate the rest. There is reason to trust that manufacturers of various products (toilet paper and PPEs, to name just two) will ramp up production to meet demand. In the meantime, we need to avoid hoarding and share.
Also, some healthcare facilities are only able to accept respirators in unopened packages. If you have unused respirators but in opened packages, we will still work to find a facility who can use them. Please make sure to specify the condition of your donated items.
Let’s keep our workers, customers, and community safe. Thanks for your help.
Memo on Essential Service Exemptions
Based on the published guidance available as of the date and time of this posting, CALSSA concludes that the local and state orders, and the federal guidelines, allow for the continued work of the solar energy and energy storage industry under the essential services exemption provided the industry adheres to social distancing standards to the greatest extent possible.
While this memo is intended to provide information related to those exemptions, it is critical that the industry use common sense and uphold a strong commitment to meeting the intent and spirit of the Shelter in Place orders. Protecting our workers, our customers, and our community is ultimately our highest priority and clearest guiding principle. This includes following CDC and OSHA social distancing recommendations, some of which are highlighted in this memo. As California faces another electricity crisis in the near future with fire season soon upon us, we must work together to build stronger, more resilient communities and we must do so in the safest manner possible.
As we all know, the governmental response to the COVID-19 crisis is changing by the hour. CALSSA will do its best to stay on top of this dynamic situation and to post updated information as the situation develops on our COVID-19 resources page. We encourage our members to track and follow the updated guidance provided by local governments in your service areas.
Statewide Shelter In Place Ordered by Governor Newsom
Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statewide shelter in place order tonight. The order applies to all individuals and businesses except those considered "essential services." The order is to stay at home until further notice. The order includes general information about what activities are considered "essential" citing sixteen critical infrastructure sectors defined by the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) under the Department of Homeland Security. These services are defined as "assets, systems, and networks, whether physical or virtual, are considered so vital...that their incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating effect on security, economic security, public health or safety". CISA lists these services as:
Here is the governor's full executive order.
Small Business Administration Loans for COVID-19
Solar companies as well as private non-profits working in the solar industry needing working capital as a result of COVID-19 may be able to receive low-interest “Economic Injury Disaster Loans” from the Small Business Administration (SBA) if they are based in the following counties (current as of March 16; this may change): Alameda, Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Imperial, Kern, Lake, Los Angeles, Madera, Marin, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Mono, Napa, Orange, Placer, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tuolumne, Ventura, and Yolo
Loans may be up to $2 million dollars with interest rates of 3.75% for small businesses and 2.75% for private non-profit organizations and can be spread up to a maximum of 30 years. Loans can be used to cover basic operating expenses such as payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid due to COVID-19’s impact. Eligibility by the SBA will be determined by the economic hardship suffered by COVID-19. Companies may apply here and can call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information.
Families First Coronavirus Response Act
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act was passed and signed into law by President Trump on March 18, 2020. Please see our updated summary of the new law under the revised March 17, 2020 entry.
Do the “Shelter in Place” orders include solar and energy storage installations? (updated March 19, 2020)
“Shelter in Place” orders were instituted Monday across seven Bay Area counties, followed by Sonoma, Sacramento and Yolo counties. More counties will undoubtedly follow suit. Each county has their own order with its own rules and exemptions. In the Bay Area, the orders require individuals to isolate themselves at home, going out only for essential needs, at least until April 7. These orders apply to businesses as well but there are exceptions including to “provide any services or perform any work necessary to the operations and maintenance of ‘Essential Infrastructure.’” Work on “Essential Infrastructure” includes “public works construction, construction of housing (in particular affordable housing or housing for individuals experiencing homelessness) [and] electrical.” “Essential Businesses” includes “Plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, Essential Activities, and Essential Businesses[.]” To seek further clarification as to whether or not such exceptions apply to your business operations, you should contact the relevant County Departments of Public Health. Please note that social distancing requirements such as keeping a distance of six feet between individuals is required of Essential Businesses.
CALSSA is working on developing a list of building departments and the ability to process permits, seek inspections during this critical time. We are also working on advocating for “no touch” permitting and inspections to allow essential services to proceed with minimal impact or health risk. More updates to come.
COVID-19 Resources for Employees - REVISED MARCH 25, 2020
Federal Paid Leave Eligibility
For anyone employed for 30 days or longer, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act establishes the following requirements through December 31, 2020 for companies with employees between 50 and 500: If leave is due to illness, employer must provide up to 2 weeks paid sick leave at 100% of the employees’ salary, capped at $511/day. If leave is due to a public health order or the need to take care of a family member, employer must provide up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave at 67% of the employee’s pay, capped at $200/day. Companies with less than 50 workers can apply for a waiver from the paid family leave “when the imposition of these requirements would jeopardize the viability of the business”.
Self-employed and contract workers get the benefits in the form of a tax credit.·
Employer may not require employee to use any other paid sick leave benefits to cover COVID-19 related leave. Employee is eligible to return to their former position prior to leave.
Federal Expanded Unemployment Benefits
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act expands unemployment benefits for those who lost their job or were furloughed due to COVID-19. It eases eligibility requirements for these benefits.
California Paid Leave Eligibility
Up to 52 weeks of Disability Insurance at 60-70% of wages capped at $1,300/week for workers unable to work due to medical quarantine or illness related to COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional).·
Up to 6 weeks of Paid Family Leave at 60-70% of wages capped at $,1330/week for workers unable to work because they’re caring for an ill or quarantined family member with to COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional).
Up to 26 weeks of Unemployment Insurance at $40-$250/week range for workers who have lost their job or have had their hours reduced for reasons related to COVID-19.·
So far, no special provision has been set for the state paid sick leave requirements during the coronavirus pandemic. The California Paid Sick Leave law establishes that all employees (including part-time, per diem, and temporary employees) qualify for paid sick leave if they have been working for the same employer for at least 30 days within a year and satisfy a 90-day probationary period before taking any sick leave. Employers must offer at least 3 days of paid sick leave per year but are allowed to limit it to 6 days per year. Employees should consult their employer’s paid sick leave policy to learn how many days they have the right to. More information.·
Employees at worksites with 25 or more employees may also be provided up to 40 hours of leave per year for specific school-related emergencies, such as the closure of a child's school or day care by civil authorities (reference: Labor Code section 230.8).· If worker is unable to do their usual job because they were exposed to and contracted COVID-19 during the regular course of their work, they may be eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits. More information here.
Municipal/County Employee Benefits
San Francisco: The City of San Francisco will pay for 5 additional sick days for private sector workers affected by coronavirus. All San Francisco businesses are eligible, with up to 20% of funds reserved for small businesses with 50 or fewer employees. Further information on program will be available around March 20 at
this link.
Worker Information Line: (415) 701-4817
FOR BUSINESSES
Federal Paid Leave Eligibility
The federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act establishes that employers will not be required to bear the full costs of the newly established paid leave requirements but will be reimbursed for 100% of the costs, up to a cap, through a tax credit.
California Assistance for Businesses
Employers experiencing a slowdown in their businesses as a result of the coronavirus impact on the economy may apply for the UI Work Sharing Program. This allows employers to seek an alternative to layoffs — retaining their trained employees by reducing their hours and wages that can be partially offset with UI benefits. Workers approved to participate in the program receive the percentage of their weekly UI benefit amount based on the percentage of hours and wages reduced, not to exceed 60%.
Employers planning a closure or major layoffs as a result of the coronavirus can get help through the Rapid Response program. Rapid Response teams will meet with them to discuss needs, help avert potential layoffs, and provide immediate on-site services to assist workers facing job losses. More information: Rapid Response Services for Businesses Fact Sheet (DE 87144RRB) (PDF) Also through one’s local America’s Job Center of California.
Employers experiencing a hardship as a result of COVID-19 may request up to a 60-day extension of time from the EDD to file their state payroll reports and/or deposit state payroll taxes without penalty or interest. A written request for extension must be received within 60 days from the original delinquent date of the payment or return. EDD Taxpayer Assistance Center: 1-888-745-3886
Welcome to CALSSA's COVID-19 Resource Page
During these uncertain times we want support our members and the solar & storage industry at large. You undoubtedly have questions regarding your California solar & storage business and the ever-changing landscape due to the Coronavirus outbreak. We are all concerned about keeping our employees and customers safe and keeping your business afloat during these economically tumultuous times.
We also know you are in the solar industry which means, by definition, you are “tougher than the rest,” to quote “The Boss.” But, we also know that we are all stronger together and more adaptable and resilient with the help of timely information.
To that effort, CALSSA has created this COVID-19 resource page, to keep you informed during this rapidly evolving situation. We are making these resources free and open to members and non-members alike as a service to our industry at-large. We’ll also be sending regular updates to our email list so you don’t miss any news. If you are not currently receiving emails from us, you can subscribe here.
Here’s a look at what we are currently pulling together:
Updated data on marketplace trends.
Virtual content to promote continuing education. Virtual content to promote continuing education. We're kicking things off tomorrow with a special online ”office hours” with CALSSA staff on SGIP. Wednesday, March 18, at 3 PM PDT. Click here for details and to register.
Clearinghouse of information related to California government that impacts your business from the workings of the State Legislature down to your local permitting office.
Updates on industry-related events that have been cancelled or moved online.
Resources and requirements for businesses and their employees. What services are available to you and your staff? What are your liabilities within the context of this pandemic?
It is important that we remain flexible and acknowledge that information shared today might very well be outdated tomorrow. As Matt Pearce, reporter for the LA Times, aptly put in in a recent tweet “What a year this past half hour has been.” Given this reality, timely and accurate information is critical to your business and it is CALSSA’s mission to provide that information for you as best we can.
If you have any particular ongoing education subjects you’d like to see us cover or questions we can answer, please email Josh@calssa.org and we’ll do our best to cover it.
Let’s stay connected and get through this together.