Fee cuts OK'd for installing solar panels
Homeowners in the unincorporated areas of Ventura County will be able to save on county permit fees if they install solar energy panels, the county Board of Supervisors decided Tuesday.
A homeowner installing a new roof would save $135 to $158 if the roof included solar panels, said Supervisor Kathy Long, who proposed the fee cuts.
"I think this fits right onto what we're trying to do with our work here in the county on climate change," Long said.
A typical 2-kilowatt solar system can generate enough electricity to completely power most households, she said.
As a result of the board's unanimous decision, the county Planning Division and Building and Safety Division will be authorized to waive a variety of fees for homeowners who install solar systems.
The changes supervisors approved in the county's building and planning codes apply only to existing homes, not new construction, officials said.
Long said she plans to urge the leaders of Ventura County's 10 cities to institute similar measures, because most home construction takes place within city limits.Last year, the county issued 30 permits for solar energy systems, and the technology is becoming more common.
Long estimated that the waivers would cost the county about $4,000 this year and $6,000 next year. That loss could be made up without any new budget allocations for the planning and building departments, she said.
In a separate action earlier this year, the Board of Supervisors gave its support for a new set of building codes that will save time and money for developers who use solar panels, recycled building materials and other environmentally approved materials and techniques in unincorporated areas of the county. The county will offer a money-saving "expedited plan review" for projects that carry a "green building" certification after Jan. 1.
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Comments (3)
"A typical 2-kilowatt solar system can generate enough electricity to completely power most households", she said.
Hmmm..... how can that be possible? Does she mean only when the sun is shining?
Comment #1 Posted by: Brian Cox | December 12, 2007 04:20 PM
Most households in Ventura can get by with a smaller solar system, in Mid Town Ventura a 1 kW or 1.5 kW is usually enough.
With net energy metering (NEM) you typically spin the meter backwards by day and then pull it back at night. There's plenty of sun in the daytime to spin your meter backwards, then you use that energy at night. Brian, not only is it possible but thousands of homeowners are doing it right now.
Comment #2 Posted by: Michael | December 12, 2007 08:36 PM
Ok, good luck to you.
Comment #3 Posted by: Brian Cox | December 12, 2007 09:01 PM