The City of Modesto is the Stanislaus County seat and is located in the Central Valley with a population of 201,165 over 37 square miles. The City is situated in an excellent area for solar due its above average solar energy resource. Modesto yields 1,379 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 Modesto, 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 Modesto:
| LOCAL IMPACT |
City of Modesto |
All Central Valley Jurisdictions (15) |
| Solar Viable Residences |
29,002 |
155,924 |
| Residential Potential (kW) |
147,909 |
795,212 |
| Total Market Potential (kW) |
519,125 |
2,774,405 |
| Annual Energy Production (kWh) |
715,873,000 |
3,961,850,000 |
| Equivalent Homes Powered |
61,550 |
340,638 |
| Economic Impact ($) |
$960 million |
$5.1 billion |
| Workforce Impact (Jobs): |
4,984 |
26,634 |
| Environmental Benefit (acres trees) |
105,233 |
559,666 |
Visit our methods and assumptions page for more information on these estimates.
Local Installation 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 Modesto currently follow standard permitting procedures. The City is exploring streamlined processes for solar, including the use of simplified solar specific permit forms.
- For general information visit the City of Modesto’s Building & Development Services Division website or call (209) 577-5232
Net Metering & Interconnection Procedures
The Modesto Irrigation District (MID) is the electricity provider for the City. Solar related information is easily accessible online and direct links are below.
- Visit MID’s Solar Website for general information
- Read MID’s Solar Photovoltaic Rebate Program Handbook for detailed solar information
- MID’s Net Energy Metering Agreement is available online
- MID’s Interconnection Agreement are available online
Relevant Municipal Policies
- Modesto’s existing General Plan solar policy language is:
g. The City of Modesto shall encourage the use of solar energy systems for residential, agricultural, parks, public buildings, and business purposes as provided in Government Code Section 65892.13.
h. Lots in new subdivisions should be oriented in such a way to maximize solar energy.
i. The City of Modesto shall approve applications for solar energy systems in accordance with State Assembly Bill 2473 (2004).
The entire Modesto General Plan is linked here . In order to see the context of the policies shown above, refer to page VII-33.
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.
