Fremont, CA

Fremont, California is the program’s first-ever Platinum designee, a level of SolSmart designation that recognizes high-impact local achievements to advance solar energy use and make this clean energy resource more widely accessible. Fremont originally earned SolSmart Gold designation in 2016 and has committed to reaching carbon neutrality by 2045. In order to achieve SolSmart Platinum designation, the City of Fremont:

• Adopted instant permitting through the SolarAPP+ program,
• Posted public metrics and numerous online resources for residents interested in adding solar to their homes,
• Installed solar PV on multiple city-owned properties,
• And undertook community partnerships to equitably expand solar in the city by leveraging funds from foundations and state government. That included partnerships with affordable housing developers, and groups such as ICLEI and Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley.

These initiatives set Fremont apart in the extent to which it has adopted nationally-recognized best practices to accelerate deployment of solar energy, and provide an example for other communities to follow.

• Created an online permitting checklist, increasing transparency for community members and solar installers.
• Reviewed local zoning codes and identified restrictions that intentionally or unintentionally prohibit solar PV development.
• Allowed solar by-right accessory use in all zones (so solar installations don’t require special permits or hearings).
• Cross-trained both inspection and permitting staff on solar PV.
• Provided a streamlined permitting pathway for small PV systems.
• Hosted a Community “Solarize”, the Bay Area Sunshares Program, allowing residents to bulk-buy and benefit from group discounts and affordable solar financing.
• Installed over 1.5MW of solar on local facilities including solar PV projects at the City of Fremont’s Police Complex (872 kW), Aqua Adventure Water Park (226 kW), Maintenance Center (349 kW), and Irvington Community Center (83kW).
• Provided Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing for eligible properties.
• Posted an online statement confirming a three-business day turnaround time for residential rooftop solar PV.
• Posted community metrics related to the number of solar PV and solar + storage permits & inspections processed by the community annually, average annual permitting & inspection timelines.
• Demonstrated pathway for instant/automatic approval of residential rooftop solar PV systems (e.g., using SolarAPP+).
• Included specific solar PV goals, metrics, and strategies in the most current published version of relevant local plans.
• Ensured the zoning ordinance establishes a clear regulatory pathway for large-scale solar PV.
• Coordinated with regional organizations and/or local governments to engage utilities on advancing solar policies such as utility procurement of solar PV, green tariffs, and/or interconnection process improvements.
• Established partnerships with local community-based orgs or other orgs focused on serving disadvantaged communities within the community to define the community’s solar equity goals, develop implementation strategies, and establish a plan for tracking & reporting.
• Posted a solar landing page on local government’s website with information that may include the community’s solar goals, educational materials and tools that promote solar.
• Posted online resources about residential and commercial solar PV financing options and incentives.