Go SOLARBroward Rooftop Solar Challenge

What is Go SOLAR Broward Rooftop Solar Challenge?• U.S. Department of Energy Grant• Broward County and 14 partner cities

collaborating to make solar rooftop system installation easier, faster and cheaper for residents and businesses

Grant Objective

• To make solar energy more accessible and affordable to the public

• To make the process of going solar simpler, faster and more cost effective for residents and small business owners

Committees1. Outreach – develop and implement a community-wide education

and outreach campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of renewable energy and promote the installation of rooftop PV systems among residents and small business

2. Financing – Investigate potential financing options for the installation of rooftop PV systems in residential and small commercial structures

3. Planning and Zoning – Identify restrictive zoning ordinances and develop best practices for more favorable zoning provisions

4. Standardized Permitting – create a streamlined solar permitting process for all participating agencies and departments throughout Broward County.

Go SOLARBroward Rooftop Solar Challenge

Standardized Permitting• According to DOE, permitting can be as much as 20% of the total cost

of PV solar installation • A streamlined permitting process enables solar companies to more

efficiently manage their labor, materials, and cash flow resulting in significant cost reductions and lower prices for consumers

• An on-line permitting system for PV solar installations:– Saves Time: Apply online 24/7– Saves Money: Select pre-approved engineered design plans– Provides a standard permit fee: Everyone pays one standard fee

online– Is hassle free: Obtain a permit electronically in minutes

Broward and PartnersGo SOLARBroward Rooftop Solar Challenge

Online Permitting System• Estimated launch date: End of October• Permitting system to be used by solar contractors

applying for solar PV rooftop installation systems • Permitting system to be used by partner cities to

process and track permit and inspections• Permit is issued at the end of application process• Inspections can be requested online once permit is

issued

Go SOLARBroward Rooftop Solar Challenge

Broward and PartnersGo SOLARBroward Rooftop Solar Challenge Welcome Page

Go SOLARBroward Rooftop Solar Challenge Registration

Go SOLARBroward Rooftop Solar Challenge New Permit

Go SOLARBroward Rooftop Solar Challenge Terms of Use

Go SOLARBroward Rooftop Solar ChallengeProperty Information

Go SOLARBroward Rooftop Solar ChallengeProperty Owner Information

Go SOLARBroward Rooftop Solar ChallengeProject Information

Go SOLARBroward Rooftop Solar Challenge Roof Structure Type

Go SOLARBroward Rooftop Solar ChallengePre-approved System & Plans

Go SOLARBroward Rooftop Solar Challenge

Permit Application Summary

Go SOLARBroward Rooftop Solar ChallengePermit Application Summary

Go SOLARBroward Rooftop Solar Challenge Application Payment

Go SOLARBroward Rooftop Solar ChallengePayment Confirmation

Go SOLARBroward Rooftop Solar ChallengeView & Print Documents

Go SOLARBroward Rooftop Solar Challenge Review Permit

Go SOLARBroward Rooftop Solar Challenge Permit Detail

Go SOLARBroward Rooftop Solar Challenge Permit Detail

Go SOLARBroward Rooftop Solar Challenge Permit Document

Go SOLARBroward Rooftop Solar ChallengeNext Step: Request Inspection

From the permit detail page:

Go SOLARBroward Rooftop Solar Challenge Permit Inspection

Go SOLARBroward Rooftop Solar ChallengePermit Inspection Requested

Go SOLARBroward Rooftop Solar Challenge

What happens next?After a permit is issued:• Applicant completes and submits an “Application for

Interconnection” under FPL’s their Net Metering Program• Applicant requests all inspections using the online

permitting system• The city’s Building Department receives notification that a

permit was issued

Once all requested inspections are completed:• Applicant follows up with FPL for interconnection• E-mail notification is sent to FPL and the appropriate fire

marshal

Go SOLARBroward Rooftop Solar Challenge

Permitting SystemQuestions?

Go SOLARBroward Rooftop Solar Challenge

Go SOLAR Online Permitting System Tentative Training Schedule

• Tuesday, October 16th for building officials and partner cities staff

• Wednesday, October 31st for Applicants (solar contractors)

Broward and PartnersGo SOLARBroward Rooftop Solar Challenge Contact Information

Maribel Feliciano, Permitting Committee Team Leadermfeliciano@broward.org

Email: gosolar@broward.orgWebsite: www.broward.org/gogreen/gosolar Facebook & YouTube @ Broward Environment

Twitter @ BrowardEnv