Humboldt County Municipal Code Ch. 1 Municipal Solar

Sections: Findings. Definitions. Regulation of Solar Leasing Operations. 841-1. Findings. (a) Humboldt County residents are faced with escalating prices for home energy supplies and depend upon imported sources of energy. (Ord. 1572, § 1, 12/21/1982) (b) Solar energy is an inexhaustible, reliable and non-polluting energy resource that can contribute to the public health, safety and welfare of Humboldt County residents. (Ord. 1572, § 1, 12/21/1982) (c) The high initial cost of purchasing and installing a solar energy device can be an economic barrier to solar energy use. Leasing of solar energy devices is an effective means to reduce this economic barrier and may be an economic alternative to ownership for many consumers. (Ord. 1572, § 1, 12/21/1982)

(d) § 17052.5 of the California Revenue and Taxation Code restricts eligibility for the California solar tax credit for leased systems to lessors who have been granted a permit from a municipal solar utility program established by ordinance prior to January 1, 1983. (Ord. 1572, § 1, 12/21/1982) (e) Establishment of a municipal solar utility program can increase public awareness of solar energy alternatives and may lead to better consumer protection and consumer confidence in leasing solar energy systems. This may increase the use of solar energy within Humboldt County. (Ord. 1572, § 1, 12/21/1982) 841-2. Definitions. For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply: (Ord. 1572, § 1, 12/21/82) (a) Municipal Solar Utility. Any program conducted by a local government or its authorized agent to promote the utilization of renewable energy and energy conservation technologies. (Ord. 1572, § 1, 12/21/1982) (b) Solar Lease Arrangement. A contract between a lessee and an investor for the leasing of solar energy devices owned by the investor and leased and possessed by the lessee, which is affixed to or located at and used at real property owned or occupied by the lessee. (Ord. 1572, § 1, 12/21/1982) (c) Leasing Company. Any person or concern which advertises, markets, places and arranges, pursuant to a lease, for the installation and servicing of solar energy devices for a fee. (Ord. 1572, § 1, 12/21/1982) (d) Solar Energy Device. Equipment and materials intended to be located on or affixed to real property that uses solar energy directly to: (1) Heat or cool a building or structure; (Ord. 1572, § 1, 12/21/1982) (2) Provide domestic hot water or hot water for recreational or therapeutic purposes; (Ord. 1572, § 1, 12/21/ 1982) (3) Provide process heat or mechanical energy; (Ord. 1572, § 1, 12/21/1982) (4) Generate electricity. (Ord. 1572, § 1, 12/21/1982) (Ord. 1572, § 1, 12/21/1982) 841-3. Regulation of Solar Leasing Operations. (a) No person shall operate as a certified solar leasing company under the municipal solar utility program of the County of Humboldt, as established herein, without having first obtained a valid solar leasing permit from the Planning Department. Such a permit shall authorize the conduct of solar leasing operations under the municipal solar utility program for a period of one (1) year, and shall be renewable for additional one-year periods. (Ord. 1572, § 1, 12/21/1982)

(b) All requirements for obtaining certification under the municipal solar utility program and permit fees shall be specified by resolution of the Board of Supervisors. (Ord. 1572, § 1, 12/21/1982) § 842-1. § 842-2. § 842-3. § 842-4.