The City of San Joaquin is located in western Fresno County in the central San Joaquin Valley region and has a population of 4,001 over 1 square mile. The City is situated in an excellent area for solar due its above average solar energy resource. San Joaquin yields 1,393 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 San Joaquin, 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 San Joaquin:
| LOCAL IMPACT |
City of San Joaquin |
All Central Valley Jurisdictions (15) |
| Solar Viable Residences |
362 |
155,924 |
| Residential Potential (kW) |
1,844 |
795,212 |
| Total Market Potential (kW) |
7,641 |
2,774,405 |
| Annual Energy Production (kWh) |
10,644,000 |
3,961,850,000 |
| Equivalent Homes Powered |
915 |
340,638 |
| Economic Impact ($) |
$14 million |
$5.1 billion |
| Workforce Impact (Jobs): |
73 |
26,634 |
| Environmental Benefit (acres trees) |
1,565 |
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 San Joaquin 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 San Joaquin’s Building Department website or call (559) 693-4311
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
This solar roadmap contains specific, actionable steps which can be pursued to improve permitting and inspection processes and develop solar friendly municipal regulations and guidelines. The roadmap also provides guidance on local market development activities to spread education, awareness, and adoption of solar by homeowners, businesses, and others. Each recommendation in the solar roadmap is supported with relevant reports, case studies, examples, and templates to support local and regional implementation efforts.
