A bill that would fast track permits for solar installations on rooftops is loosing favor with members of the Rural County Representatives of California. Nevada County Supervisor Nate Beason, who is the current Chair of RCRC, says AB 2188 by state Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) is not necessary and creates more problems than it solves. The bill would require solar permits for small installations to be issued over- the- counter within 24 hours, and inspections of the installation to be completed within two days. Beason says the rush could put a strain on some smaller counties, and create safety issues particularly on installations on older structures.
Click here to listen to Nate Beason
Beason testified against the bill at a hearing of the state Assembly’s local government committee in Sacramento and says he believes the bill is politically motivated.
Click here to listen to Nate Beason
Beason says Nevada County is doing fine without this bill and so are a variety of other counties. Furthermore, Nevada City is among the highest installation of solar per capita than any other city in the state, and they didn’t need this bill to do it.
Martin Webb
Actually, as someone who has their fingerprints on the majority of solar systems installed in Nevada County, through my 15 years of work with Sierra Solar Systems, Plan It Solar, CA Solar Electric Company, and Sustainable Energy Group, the reality is that Nevada County enjoys a robust solar install market precisely because of the exact items presented in this bill.
While someone may think Nevada County achieved this success without the policies laid out in this bill, Nevada County has some of the highest install rates BECAUSE they allow you to pull roof-mounted solar permits the same day via the internet, and final inspections are done within 48 hours. We have never had safety issues as a result.
So in my opinion it would be very incorrect to say Nevada County is doing fine without this bill, since the facts show we are actually doing fine because we already impose these standards. Furthermore, Nevada City is among the highest installation of solar per capita exactly because of the policies put forth in this bill...not in absence of.
I find the comments in this news piece by Mr. Beason may reflect a lack of full understanding of the solar permit processes being addressed in the bill. If these efficiencies work well for Nevada County without any safety issues, then I wonder why wouldn't we want to transfer that govt efficiency elsewhere?