CITY OF DUBLIN ADOPTS AUTOMATED PERMITTING TOOL TO LOWER THE COST OF INSTALLING SOLAR

The City of Dublin has launched SolarAPP+, an automated application for permitting new residential rooftop solar and storage systems. Dublin is one of only a handful of cities in California to launch SolarAPP+, which will lower costs and expedite solar installations, encouraging property owners to invest in generation renewable and sustainable energy. By using artificial intelligence, SolarAPP+ makes it possible to obtain a residential solar permit in as little as 15 minutes, entirely online. As an online plan check and permitting program, the system is available 24/7.

Research has shown lowering the cost and increasing the speed of rooftop solar installation will have a significant impact on a system’s cost. The installation currently costs twice as much in the United States as compared to countries such as Australia or Germany, despite similar wages and equipment costs. The difference is caused, in part, due to installation costs like interest on home equity loans and other costs incurred while waiting for applications to be processed. For a solar customer, these added expenses can amount to as much as $5,000 for a typical residential solar system.

SolarAPP+ helps governments and providers cut rooftop solar permitting costs. Developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy, SolarAPP+ provides a web-based portal that streamlines and automates permit reviews. The app integrates into existing local government permitting software and is free for local jurisdictions.

The move to make solar more affordable to all communities has been applauded by local and state leaders as an important step in the local and national fight against climate change. “The increase in the use of rooftop solar and storage systems will not only provide a cost savings for residents, but it will go a long way in helping the City of Dublin to achieve its goals set in the Climate Action Plan,” said Dublin Mayor Melissa Hernandez. “I’m proud that we are making it easier for our residents to purchase and install solar through SolarAPP+.”

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SacBee: How Newsom’s bill to keep Diablo Canyon nuclear plant open was nearly derailed by one phrase

BY ARI PLACHTA AND STEPHEN HOBBS

Debate on Governor Gavin Newsom’s push to extend the life of Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant has raged for weeks. But on Tuesday, conflicting interpretations of a single phrase led to a whirlwind of political wrangling.

The flurry of environmentalist outrage and backstage compromise — playing out as the legislative session nears adjournment Wednesday night — illustrated a process that leaves some of the state’s most critical policy decisions to eleventh-hour changes and feverish rebuttal.

“This is a classic example of why the three-day cooling off period is important,” said Bernadette Del Chiaro, Executive Director of the California Solar and Storage Association, referring to the short, critical time required for legislation to print before it can be put to a vote.

San Diego Union Tribune: Looming decision on new rooftop solar rules draws protesters in front of Sempra headquarters

Final decision by Public Utilities Commission has been on hold for months.

BY ROB NIKOLEWSKI

A proposed decision before California Public Utilities Commission that could dramatically change the financial rules for rooftop solar across the state drew about 75 protesters Tuesday in front of the headquarters of Sempra, the parent company of San Diego Gas & Electric.

“Because Sempra and SDG&E see rooftop solar as competition for them, they are trying to burn it to the ground,” Dave Rosenfeld, executive director of the Solar Rights Alliance, told the demonstrators, many wearing T-shirts and carrying signs that said “Don’t Tax The Sun.”

Solar Thermal Market Records Year of Growth

The solar thermal market saw 3% growth in 2021 after seven years of decline. Noteworthy development was reported from some of the largest solar heat markets. Solar thermal capacity reached 522 GWth, providing green heat to 109 million residential and commercial customers globally. With a turnover of USD 18.7 billion, the sector gives jobs to around 380,000 people worldwide.

These are some key figures from this year's report, Solar Heat Worldwide 2022, published by the International Energy Agency's Solar Heating and Cooling Technology Collaboration Programme (IEA SHC). The 18th edition has a completely new design. Data from now 70 country contributors creates the most comprehensive evaluation of solar heating and cooling markets worldwide. The full report and key findings are available for free on the IEA SHC website.