Promoting Solar Energy Use Through Local Plans
Promoting Solar Energy Use Through Local Planning
Promoting Solar Energy Use Through Local Plans
Courtesy of DOE/NREL
1
About the SunShot Solar Outreach Partnership
The SunShot Solar Outreach Partnership (SolarOPs) is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) program designed to increase the use and integration of solar energy in communities across the US. 2
About the SunShot Solar Outreach Partnership Resource
SolarOutreach.org
Upcoming Events Fact Sheets How-To Guides
Podcasts & Webinars Case Studies Technical Assistance
www.solaroutreach.org 3
Promoting Solar Energy Use Through Local Planning Webinar Series Planning for Solar Energy Briefing Papers – Solar Community Engagement Strategies for Planners – Solar Mapping – Integrating Solar Energy Use into Local Plans – Integrating Solar Energy Use into Local Development Regulations – Balancing Solar Energy Use with Potential Competing Interests – Recycling Land for Solar Energy Development
www.planning.org/research/solar/ 4
Promoting Solar Energy Use Through Local Planning Webinar Series Putting Solar Energy Use on the Local Policy Agenda – September 23, 2013 – 1-2 PM Eastern Promoting Solar Energy Use Through Local Plans – September 20, 2013 – 1-2 PM Eastern Promoting Solar Energy Use Through Local Development Regulations – November 1, 2013 – 1-2 PM Eastern www.planning.org/research/solar/
5
Agenda
Types of plans that can promote solar energy use Where to discuss solar within the plan Plan examples Case studies
6
Speakers Erin Musiol Senior Program Development & Research Associate, American Planning Association
Steve Abraham/Kent Taylor Planning Manager and Director of Open Space and Trails, Pinal County, AZ
Nathan Geisler Energy Programs Associate, Ann Arbor, MI
7
Types of Plans Comprehensive plans Sub area plans – neighborhood plans – downtown plans – corridor plans Functional plans – climate action plans – energy plans – sustainability plans
8
Where to discuss solar? Plan vision Background or existing conditions assessment Plan Implementation
9
Plan Vision Document new opportunities and priorities that arise out of visioning process – including those related to solar energy. Including solar energy in the vision statement elevates the level of awareness and importance of solar energy in the community.
10
Background/Existing Conditions Assessment
Establish a baseline for energy use
Document existing solar resources Educate residents about solar characteristics
11
Plan Examples Hartford, VT Master Plan Energy Chapter includes a general discussion of the impact of energy on the economic, environmental, and social well-being of the community (pg. 252). Huntington Beach, CA Energy Action Plan Discusses recent solar energy education and outreach efforts (pg. 17). Jackson County, OR Comprehensive Plan The Energy Element discusses the general viability of solar thermal systems in east/central Oregon (pp. 11-3--11-4). King County, WA 2012 Comprehensive Plan Update Discusses the benefits and current barriers to solar energy use (Chapter 8, pgs. 8-46). Lansing, MI Design Lansing: 2012 Comprehensive Plan Discusses solar installations as a long-term reuse strategy for vacant land with little demand for new development (Chapter 4 pg. 92). Mecklenburg County, NC Environmental Sustainability Plan The plan describes existing solar thermal installations on county facilities and their affect on energy use reduction (14%) (pg. 7., pg. 15). 12
Plan Implementation
Goals Objectives Policies Action items Implementation Strategies
13
Plan Goals GENERAL Hailey, ID Comprehensive Plan Promote renewable energy production (Goal 1.3) Jackson, WY Comprehensive Plan Reduce consumption of nonrenewable energy (Principle 2.1) SPECIFIC Arlington County, VA Community Energy Plan Install and use 160 MW of solar electricity by 2050 (Goal 3) Kansas City, MO Climate Protection Plan Purchase 5% of the city's electricity from renewable power sources (Energy Work Group Recommendation 7). Portland, OR Comprehensive Plan Includes an energy goal to promote sustainable energy future by increasing energy efficiency in all sectors of the city by 10% by 2000 (Goal 7) 14
Plan Implementation Amherst, MA Master Plan Create zoning regulations and local tax incentives to encourage or mandate green elements, including renewable energy use (Strategy NC.4.B). Goodyear, AZ General Plan The city will work with the local utility to enhance the use of solar power programs (Policy A-1e). Hillsborough County, FL Comprehensive Plan The Future Land Use Element creates and maps a new Energy Industrial Park future land use category that is intended to provide space for renewable energy production (including solar farms) and other uses supportive of renewable energy production (Objectives 58-60 and associated policies). Lake Oswego, OR Comprehensive Plan Includes policy to require solar orientation for new subdivisions (Policy 6) Reading, MA RMLD Four-Town Local Energy Action Plan Identify and map locations that would be ideal to support solar (pg. 1-8) 15
Pinal County, Arizona We Create Our Future: Pinal County Comprehensive Plan
16
Pinal County Who are we? Located in South/Central Arizona 5,374 square miles 3rd most populous county, population approx 375,000 11 incorporated towns and cities Several unincorporated population centers Google maps
17
Pinal County Comprehensive Plan 2009 Comprehensive Plan: solar and wind energy generation and other renewable energy production should be viewed as compatible with the farming heritage. Chapter 7: Environmental Stewardship 3 goals, 4 objectives & 6 policies
18
Solar friendly
Unique conflagration of events
State Law ACC Utilities Policy Documents Grass roots BOS champion
19
How did we get here? State Law: – Requires energy element in Comprehensive Plan (a) Encourages and provides incentives for efficient use of energy. (b) Identifies policies and practices for greater use of renewable energy.
– Allowed ACC to require regulated utilities generate 15% of their power through renewable means by 2025
ARS title 11 & REST
20
How did we get here? Pinal County Comprehensive Plan: – Complete overhaul and modernization of the plan • 1.5 years to update massive outreach efforts
Grass roots citizen effort “Sustainable Pinal Citizen Task Force”, championed by the BOS Change in business model from utility providers – Private sector generates solar power SRP distributes it
21
22
Utility Grade Solar Projects Solar projects that are not for residential or as accessory use and are primarily used for the generation of power for the use by the general public or off-site.
23
Regulatory Environment (utility) Comprehensive Plan: – Employment (purple) or Public Services & Facilities (blue) – Usually processed as a Major Amendment (annual process)
Zoning: – Industrial use category with a PAD and sometimes with an Industrial use permit – Site plan review and building permit (administrative)
24
25
Regulatory Environment (small) Comprehensive Plan: – No Comprehensive plan review/issues
Zoning: – Accessory uses, setbacks, building permit
26
Where are we now? Two projects in Pinal County have entitlements & one has not gone through the Zoning process One facility is up and running in the Town of Florence: http://www.srpnet.com/environment/communitys olar/coppercrossing.aspx Several are co-located on existing industrial sites & power plants: frito lay, saguaro generating station
27
Where are we going? Proposal was brought to P&Z Commission to allow utility grade solar to be reviewed as a minor comprehensive plan amendment. Not approved
Grumblings in Phoenix Utility providers are less aggressive than 2-3 years ago.
28
Room for Improvement Keep “Sustainable Task Force” engaged Revisit minor amendment process for utility grade Consider solar orientation design guideline /requirement for residential development /subdivisions Champion state and federal incentive programs Open discussion with Incorporated towns
29
Steve Abraham & Kent Taylor Planning Manager & Dir. of Open Space & Trails [email protected] & [email protected] September 20, 2013
30
Ann Arbor, MI Solar Ann Arbor: A Plan For Action
31
Ann Arbor’s Energy Story Ann Arbor Energy Office
First Energy Plan 1981 Energy Commission 1985 Energy Challenge Goals for Renewable Energy and GHG reduction Municipal Focus 1981-2009; Community 2009-
32
Plan Background 2007 US DOE “Solar America Cities” grant recipient Solar Plan major deliverable
33
Before the Plan At the time of the US DOE award, Ann Arbor had: Approximately 86 kilowatts (kW) of photovoltaic (PV) and 19 solar water heating (SWH) installations Specific goals for renewable energy and solar endorsed by the mayor A limited net metering program that was not a strong incentive—less than 15% of known installed solar systems were enrolled. http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/pdfs/50192_annarbor.pdf
Solar Cities Goals
Develop an Ann Arbor Solar Plan to identify and remove barriers to increased solar energy use Improve city regulations and building codes to help streamline the installation of solar systems Train installers and city staff to properly assess sites for solar feasibility including accounting for code and permitting issues Increase the number of large-scale solar installations on city buildings, including highly visible public demonstration and educational installations Establish new partnerships with local organizations designed to educate the Ann Arbor community.
The Michigan Context Photo: Nathan Geisler
Solar Plan Development Process
Photo: U of M Taubman College
Photo: MI Solar Car Team
37
Plan Organization
38
Table of Contents continued
39
Table of Contents continued
40
Solar Plan Recommendations #1 Commit to a Solar Plan Implementation Process #2 Design Municipal Solar Financial Incentives #3 Simplify Solar Permitting #4 Advocate for State Level Policy Changes
#5 Integrate Solar Into City Infrastructure and Culture #6 Consider Solar Access Laws & Robust Building Energy Codes #7 Create Solar Outreach Campaign #8 Support Solar Workforce Development 41
Photos: Andrew Brix, Nathan Geisler
Signs of the times
More signs of the times
Photo: Quinn Evans Architects (James Haefner)
Photo: concentratemedia
Installed Solar PV Capacity (kW) 1400 1200 1000 800
600 State RPS passes
Solar Plan Complete
400 Solar Cities Award
200 0 2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Source: Ann Arbor Energy Office
Want to See the Plan? www.a2gov.org/energy/solar
45
Where Are We Going? • Xseed Energy • Community Solar piloting • More utility involvement • Tip: Get yourself an Energy Commission www.a2gov.org/energy/solar 46
Xseed Energy: A Solar Plan Implementer
www.xseedenergy.org
Solar Plan, Community Solar
Nathan Geisler Energy Programs Associate, City of Ann Arbor [email protected] (734) 794-6430 ext.43724 September 20, 2013
49
Questions?
Courtesy of DOE/NREL, Credit - Jim Tetro
50
Courtesy of DOE/NREL
Thank You!
51
Promoting Solar Energy Use Through Local Plans
Courtesy of DOE/NREL
1
About the SunShot Solar Outreach Partnership
The SunShot Solar Outreach Partnership (SolarOPs) is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) program designed to increase the use and integration of solar energy in communities across the US. 2
About the SunShot Solar Outreach Partnership Resource
SolarOutreach.org
Upcoming Events Fact Sheets How-To Guides
Podcasts & Webinars Case Studies Technical Assistance
www.solaroutreach.org 3
Promoting Solar Energy Use Through Local Planning Webinar Series Planning for Solar Energy Briefing Papers – Solar Community Engagement Strategies for Planners – Solar Mapping – Integrating Solar Energy Use into Local Plans – Integrating Solar Energy Use into Local Development Regulations – Balancing Solar Energy Use with Potential Competing Interests – Recycling Land for Solar Energy Development
www.planning.org/research/solar/ 4
Promoting Solar Energy Use Through Local Planning Webinar Series Putting Solar Energy Use on the Local Policy Agenda – September 23, 2013 – 1-2 PM Eastern Promoting Solar Energy Use Through Local Plans – September 20, 2013 – 1-2 PM Eastern Promoting Solar Energy Use Through Local Development Regulations – November 1, 2013 – 1-2 PM Eastern www.planning.org/research/solar/
5
Agenda
Types of plans that can promote solar energy use Where to discuss solar within the plan Plan examples Case studies
6
Speakers Erin Musiol Senior Program Development & Research Associate, American Planning Association
Steve Abraham/Kent Taylor Planning Manager and Director of Open Space and Trails, Pinal County, AZ
Nathan Geisler Energy Programs Associate, Ann Arbor, MI
7
Types of Plans Comprehensive plans Sub area plans – neighborhood plans – downtown plans – corridor plans Functional plans – climate action plans – energy plans – sustainability plans
8
Where to discuss solar? Plan vision Background or existing conditions assessment Plan Implementation
9
Plan Vision Document new opportunities and priorities that arise out of visioning process – including those related to solar energy. Including solar energy in the vision statement elevates the level of awareness and importance of solar energy in the community.
10
Background/Existing Conditions Assessment
Establish a baseline for energy use
Document existing solar resources Educate residents about solar characteristics
11
Plan Examples Hartford, VT Master Plan Energy Chapter includes a general discussion of the impact of energy on the economic, environmental, and social well-being of the community (pg. 252). Huntington Beach, CA Energy Action Plan Discusses recent solar energy education and outreach efforts (pg. 17). Jackson County, OR Comprehensive Plan The Energy Element discusses the general viability of solar thermal systems in east/central Oregon (pp. 11-3--11-4). King County, WA 2012 Comprehensive Plan Update Discusses the benefits and current barriers to solar energy use (Chapter 8, pgs. 8-46). Lansing, MI Design Lansing: 2012 Comprehensive Plan Discusses solar installations as a long-term reuse strategy for vacant land with little demand for new development (Chapter 4 pg. 92). Mecklenburg County, NC Environmental Sustainability Plan The plan describes existing solar thermal installations on county facilities and their affect on energy use reduction (14%) (pg. 7., pg. 15). 12
Plan Implementation
Goals Objectives Policies Action items Implementation Strategies
13
Plan Goals GENERAL Hailey, ID Comprehensive Plan Promote renewable energy production (Goal 1.3) Jackson, WY Comprehensive Plan Reduce consumption of nonrenewable energy (Principle 2.1) SPECIFIC Arlington County, VA Community Energy Plan Install and use 160 MW of solar electricity by 2050 (Goal 3) Kansas City, MO Climate Protection Plan Purchase 5% of the city's electricity from renewable power sources (Energy Work Group Recommendation 7). Portland, OR Comprehensive Plan Includes an energy goal to promote sustainable energy future by increasing energy efficiency in all sectors of the city by 10% by 2000 (Goal 7) 14
Plan Implementation Amherst, MA Master Plan Create zoning regulations and local tax incentives to encourage or mandate green elements, including renewable energy use (Strategy NC.4.B). Goodyear, AZ General Plan The city will work with the local utility to enhance the use of solar power programs (Policy A-1e). Hillsborough County, FL Comprehensive Plan The Future Land Use Element creates and maps a new Energy Industrial Park future land use category that is intended to provide space for renewable energy production (including solar farms) and other uses supportive of renewable energy production (Objectives 58-60 and associated policies). Lake Oswego, OR Comprehensive Plan Includes policy to require solar orientation for new subdivisions (Policy 6) Reading, MA RMLD Four-Town Local Energy Action Plan Identify and map locations that would be ideal to support solar (pg. 1-8) 15
Pinal County, Arizona We Create Our Future: Pinal County Comprehensive Plan
16
Pinal County Who are we? Located in South/Central Arizona 5,374 square miles 3rd most populous county, population approx 375,000 11 incorporated towns and cities Several unincorporated population centers Google maps
17
Pinal County Comprehensive Plan 2009 Comprehensive Plan: solar and wind energy generation and other renewable energy production should be viewed as compatible with the farming heritage. Chapter 7: Environmental Stewardship 3 goals, 4 objectives & 6 policies
18
Solar friendly
Unique conflagration of events
State Law ACC Utilities Policy Documents Grass roots BOS champion
19
How did we get here? State Law: – Requires energy element in Comprehensive Plan (a) Encourages and provides incentives for efficient use of energy. (b) Identifies policies and practices for greater use of renewable energy.
– Allowed ACC to require regulated utilities generate 15% of their power through renewable means by 2025
ARS title 11 & REST
20
How did we get here? Pinal County Comprehensive Plan: – Complete overhaul and modernization of the plan • 1.5 years to update massive outreach efforts
Grass roots citizen effort “Sustainable Pinal Citizen Task Force”, championed by the BOS Change in business model from utility providers – Private sector generates solar power SRP distributes it
21
22
Utility Grade Solar Projects Solar projects that are not for residential or as accessory use and are primarily used for the generation of power for the use by the general public or off-site.
23
Regulatory Environment (utility) Comprehensive Plan: – Employment (purple) or Public Services & Facilities (blue) – Usually processed as a Major Amendment (annual process)
Zoning: – Industrial use category with a PAD and sometimes with an Industrial use permit – Site plan review and building permit (administrative)
24
25
Regulatory Environment (small) Comprehensive Plan: – No Comprehensive plan review/issues
Zoning: – Accessory uses, setbacks, building permit
26
Where are we now? Two projects in Pinal County have entitlements & one has not gone through the Zoning process One facility is up and running in the Town of Florence: http://www.srpnet.com/environment/communitys olar/coppercrossing.aspx Several are co-located on existing industrial sites & power plants: frito lay, saguaro generating station
27
Where are we going? Proposal was brought to P&Z Commission to allow utility grade solar to be reviewed as a minor comprehensive plan amendment. Not approved
Grumblings in Phoenix Utility providers are less aggressive than 2-3 years ago.
28
Room for Improvement Keep “Sustainable Task Force” engaged Revisit minor amendment process for utility grade Consider solar orientation design guideline /requirement for residential development /subdivisions Champion state and federal incentive programs Open discussion with Incorporated towns
29
Steve Abraham & Kent Taylor Planning Manager & Dir. of Open Space & Trails [email protected] & [email protected] September 20, 2013
30
Ann Arbor, MI Solar Ann Arbor: A Plan For Action
31
Ann Arbor’s Energy Story Ann Arbor Energy Office
First Energy Plan 1981 Energy Commission 1985 Energy Challenge Goals for Renewable Energy and GHG reduction Municipal Focus 1981-2009; Community 2009-
32
Plan Background 2007 US DOE “Solar America Cities” grant recipient Solar Plan major deliverable
33
Before the Plan At the time of the US DOE award, Ann Arbor had: Approximately 86 kilowatts (kW) of photovoltaic (PV) and 19 solar water heating (SWH) installations Specific goals for renewable energy and solar endorsed by the mayor A limited net metering program that was not a strong incentive—less than 15% of known installed solar systems were enrolled. http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/pdfs/50192_annarbor.pdf
Solar Cities Goals
Develop an Ann Arbor Solar Plan to identify and remove barriers to increased solar energy use Improve city regulations and building codes to help streamline the installation of solar systems Train installers and city staff to properly assess sites for solar feasibility including accounting for code and permitting issues Increase the number of large-scale solar installations on city buildings, including highly visible public demonstration and educational installations Establish new partnerships with local organizations designed to educate the Ann Arbor community.
The Michigan Context Photo: Nathan Geisler
Solar Plan Development Process
Photo: U of M Taubman College
Photo: MI Solar Car Team
37
Plan Organization
38
Table of Contents continued
39
Table of Contents continued
40
Solar Plan Recommendations #1 Commit to a Solar Plan Implementation Process #2 Design Municipal Solar Financial Incentives #3 Simplify Solar Permitting #4 Advocate for State Level Policy Changes
#5 Integrate Solar Into City Infrastructure and Culture #6 Consider Solar Access Laws & Robust Building Energy Codes #7 Create Solar Outreach Campaign #8 Support Solar Workforce Development 41
Photos: Andrew Brix, Nathan Geisler
Signs of the times
More signs of the times
Photo: Quinn Evans Architects (James Haefner)
Photo: concentratemedia
Installed Solar PV Capacity (kW) 1400 1200 1000 800
600 State RPS passes
Solar Plan Complete
400 Solar Cities Award
200 0 2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Source: Ann Arbor Energy Office
Want to See the Plan? www.a2gov.org/energy/solar
45
Where Are We Going? • Xseed Energy • Community Solar piloting • More utility involvement • Tip: Get yourself an Energy Commission www.a2gov.org/energy/solar 46
Xseed Energy: A Solar Plan Implementer
www.xseedenergy.org
Solar Plan, Community Solar
Nathan Geisler Energy Programs Associate, City of Ann Arbor [email protected] (734) 794-6430 ext.43724 September 20, 2013
49
Questions?
Courtesy of DOE/NREL, Credit - Jim Tetro
50
Courtesy of DOE/NREL
Thank You!
51
