Small PV systems (≤10kW) can benefit significantly from a streamlined process partly because they have many similarities and common features (Edmund, 2012). A streamlined process could reduce waiting times and unnecessary delays caused by lack of knowledge. Also, an accessible, organized, and comprehensive list of “what to do” would encourage a more mature solar market for potential customers and thus wider solar installation. The following steps could reduce costs and time spent on the permit and inspection processes: Create a detailed brochure for installing solar PV, clearly describing each step of the process, including financial options, permit applications, system installation, and maintenance. For maximum benefit, this outreach should be specifically developed for College Park (or Prince George’s County) residents and include State- and County-specific grants and incentives (see below). Along with printed forms, this material should be available on City and County websites. Provide checklists for the solar PV permitting and inspection processes for solar installations within the City. The checklists should include all documents or standards required for application. The checklists should be informative (based on consultations with the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement, solar installers, and Pepco) and easy to understand (assuming that readers know very little about PV installation and operation). Again, the checklists should be printed and online. The City should work collaboratively with technicians from Pepco, solar installers, and the Prince George’s County Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE) to find the most efficient way to complete the inspection and permitting process. Allow parts of permit application and issuance to be completed online, whether it is for the permit or financial incentives. Set a timeline for reviewing each application and encourage making reservations. Several states have already provided online application processes, including Arizona () and California ( and ). Encourage solar story sharing among City residents. Successful solar installation stories or case studies will reduce unfamiliarity and misunderstanding among residents. Create public forums and information exchanges where homeowners who have recently installed solar systems can meet with residents considering solar installations. The Baltimore Sun has posted several solar stories written by homeowners in Rockville and Frederick on their website. These experiences include the full installation process and some of the barriers to solar installation. Communicate to residents all sources of potential financial and other support such as: Federal and State tax credits and other tax advantages offered for installation of home solar systems.
Small PV systems (≤10kW) can benefit significantly from a streamlined process partly because they have many similarities and common features (Edmund, 2012). A streamlined process could reduce waiting times and unnecessary delays caused by lack of knowledge. Also, an accessible, organized, and comprehensive list of “what to do” would encourage a more mature solar market for potential customers and thus wider solar installation. The following steps could reduce costs and time spent on the permit and inspection processes: Create a detailed brochure for installing solar PV, clearly describing each step of the process, including financial options, permit applications, system installation, and maintenance. For maximum benefit, this outreach should be specifically developed for College Park (or Prince George’s County) residents and include State- and County-specific grants and incentives (see below). Along with printed forms, this material should be available on City and County websites. Provide checklists for the solar PV permitting and inspection processes for solar installations within the City. The checklists should include all documents or standards required for application. The checklists should be informative (based on consultations with the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement, solar installers, and Pepco) and easy to understand (assuming that readers know very little about PV installation and operation). Again, the checklists should be printed and online. The City should work collaboratively with technicians from Pepco, solar installers, and the Prince George’s County Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE) to find the most efficient way to complete the inspection and permitting process. Allow parts of permit application and issuance to be completed online, whether it is for the permit or financial incentives. Set a timeline for reviewing each application and encourage making reservations. Several states have already provided online application processes, including Arizona () and California ( and ). Encourage solar story sharing among City residents. Successful solar installation stories or case studies will reduce unfamiliarity and misunderstanding among residents. Create public forums and information exchanges where homeowners who have recently installed solar systems can meet with residents considering solar installations. The Baltimore Sun has posted several solar stories written by homeowners in Rockville and Frederick on their website. These experiences include the full installation process and some of the barriers to solar installation. Communicate to residents all sources of potential financial and other support such as: Federal and State tax credits and other tax advantages offered for installation of home solar systems.