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Solar Permit Analysis <br />February 8, 2011 <br />Page 2 <br />estimated to be between one and ten hours with a majority requiring between five and seven hours. Al <br />an average rate of $55 per hour, the respective permit fees would range from $55 to $550 per project, <br />with a majority falling in the $275 to $385 range. This amount was determined to be minimal compared <br />to the amount of plan check and inspection fees the City receives in a year. <br />Analysis/Conclusions: <br />Prior to the adoption of the resolution in 2008, the City <br />processed very few solar energy projects (less than 5) <br />per year. Information gathered over the last three years <br />has yielded the following: <br />• 2009 - (10) solar permits issued. Double the amount <br />issued in the previous year and more than triple the <br />number of permits issued in 2007. <br />• (41) Solar permits issued in 2010 represents a227% <br />increase in solar permits compared to 2010. <br />• Studies have shown that an average sized residential <br />solar installation will save 50-65 percent on monthly <br />electricity costs and offset the equivalent carbon <br />dioxide emissions of driving a car 22,600 miles. <br />• 98% of solar permits issued in Santa Ana since 2008 have been for residential installations. <br />Recommended Action: <br />Based on the low costs associated with the programs operation and the numerous environmental <br />benefits provided by solar technology, it is recommended that the Solar Permit Fee Waiver program be <br />renewed for an additional two-years. <br />AMatt Foulkes <br />MF:rb <br />rb\rfca\04-04-1 1 \Solar Permit Program Analysis <br />55B-4