The City of Fresno is located in the center of the San Joaquin Valley and is the largest inland city in California with a population of 494,665 over 112 square miles. The City is situated in an excellent area for solar due its above average solar energy resource. Fresno yields 1,357 kWh/kW per year, which is more than 10% greater than the national average of 1,200 kWh/kW per year.
Solar Market Potential
In assessing the potential for solar PV installations in Fresno, the SSTI team considered statewide renewable energy goals and determined the local deployment necessary to achieve these goals. In California, all utilities must comply with the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), which requires a specified fraction of electric power to be produced by renewable sources. In California, the RPS mandates 33% renewables by 2020.
Local solar project development keeps the economic and environmental benefits in the community. Targeting development of half of that renewable energy production through local/regional solar PV could produce the following impact over the next 5 years in Fresno:
| LOCAL IMPACT |
City of Fresno |
All Central Valley Jurisdictions (15) |
| Solar Viable Residences |
57,251 |
155,924 |
| Residential Potential (kW) |
291,982 |
795,212 |
| Total Market Potential (kW) |
967,780 |
2,774,405 |
| Annual Energy Production (kWh) |
1,313,277,000 |
3,961,850,000 |
| Equivalent Homes Powered |
112,915 |
340,638 |
| Economic Impact ($) |
$1.7 billion |
$5.1 billion |
| Workforce Impact (Jobs): |
9,310 |
26,634 |
| Environmental Benefit (acres trees) |
193,451 |
559,666 |
Visit our methods and assumptions page for more information on these estimates.
Local Solar Requirements
For specific information regarding local solar permitting, zoning, net metering or interconnection procedures, contact the appropriate office listed below.
Permitting & Inspection Procedures
Permitting and inspection for solar PV systems in Fresno currently follow standard permitting procedures.
- The City of Fresno has published a Residential Photovoltaic Submittal Requirements guide that details the City’s solar permitting process
- For general information visit the City of Fresno’s Building and Safety Services Division website or call (559) 621-8082
Net Metering & Interconnection Procedures
Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) is the electricity provider for the City. Solar related information is easily accessible online and direct links are below.
- Visit PG&E’s Solar Website for general information
- PG&E’s Net Energy Metering & Interconnection Process is available online
- PG&E’s Net Energy Metering Application and Interconnection Agreement are available online
Local Solar Resources
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General Solar Resources
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Solar Roadmap
To facilitate efforts to capture the local solar opportunity, the SSTI team has worked in close coordination with the City to develop a customized, interactive solar roadmap as described and accessible below. This solar roadmap contains specific, actionable steps that can be pursued to improve permitting and inspection processes and develop solar friendly municipal regulations and guidelines.
