1. Go Solar Florida Status Update
Thank:
DOE for funding us
FSEC for their efforts and for hosting us today
Josh Huneycutt for flying down to learn more about our accomplishments
Partners for their hard work on the project and for taking the time to be here today
Internal Team for their dedication and support to this project

2. Overview For Today The Go SOLAR Florida Status
Grant Progress - Context
The Way Forward
This presentation today will discuss our status, provide some context for the grant progress, and provide a roadmap for our way forward.
Grant progress using a report card on how we met our SOPO

3. Go SOLAR Florida Status
Where we were (Sept when we were awarded the grant)
Why we pivoted
Where we are now (Jan. 29, 2015)
Where we go from here
Today we will cover where we were, why we pivoted, where we are now and where we go from here.
Before we can tell you about the huge progress we have made, we need to set the stage for where we have been.
Were: original idea of grant was to take go solar broward permitting solution and expand to other counties. In theory, this sounds pretty straight forward, and maybe even easy. We soon saw it’s limitations.
Based on the book, “Lean Startup“ we learned that this venture is like creating a startup.
The author, Eric Ries says that our fundamental activity is to
turn our idea into a minimum viable product,
measure response and then
either pivot or persevere.
Go solar broward was our minimum viable product. We measure the response, - no one has used it, so we had to pivot.

4. Go SOLAR Florida Status (cont.)
Why we pivoted
Not scalable
Limited # of plans lead to too few choices
No one had used it
Does not allow for flexibility
Technology changes too fast
Electrical code is changing
One size does not fit all
When we measured where we were, we saw the need to pivot.
Not scalable (plans take too long to be approved & cost too much)
Limited number of plans lead to too few choices
Does not allow for flexibility
Technology changes too fast
Electrical code is changing
One size does not fit all
So we came up with a totally different permit model that better fits our needs.

5. Go SOLAR Florida Status (cont.)
Where we started
(Sept when we were awarded the grant)
Why we pivoted
Where we are now (Jan. 29, 2015)
Where we go from here
Now: The team created the Go SOLAR Florida web site where licensed contractors will go to first submit their information to receive a permit-ready package. This package will contain pre-approved electrical and structural plans. We will show you a demonstration of our plans machine in a moment. This system is in test phase only, this website is our sandbox, not live.
Future: this demonstration will be improved and go live in the next year.

6. The Context Go Solar Florida The Florida Solar Permitting System
Plans Creation
Permitting
Future Expectations
Planning and Zoning Best Practices
Outreach and Education
Solar Financing Action Plan (active statewide effort)
A snapshot
Go SOLAR Florida has four main components: permitting, planning & zoning, outreach & education and financing. We will review each in this order this afternoon.
Red – Active Statewide effort
proceed with a demonstration of our new course of action
Introduce Michael Huneke our Permitting Systems team leader

7. The Florida Solar Permitting System Plans Creation
The presenter (Michael) will give a brief summary of the plans and permitting teams, what they did and go through the flow diagram created by the teams. This leads into the contractor going to the Go Solar Florida website to begin the process of receiving plans and submitting for a permit.
GoSolarflorida.org

8. The Florida Solar Permitting System Plans Creation
For the purposes of this presentation, the contractor will be the main user of the website, so this is where we will start. Michael will lead audience through the “contractor” experience using gosolarflorida.org

9. Give a brief website overview and then the contractor goes to the GSF website and clicks on the electrical & structural Plans button, taking him to the electrical & structural plans welcome page.

10. The Florida Solar Permitting System Plans Creation
In regard to the flow diagram we are now entering the plans generation system.

11. Explain the welcome page
Explain the welcome page. Licensed contractors, rooftop solar panel (PV) systems, Leads contractor through a series of technical inputs to generate PDF design files, valid license, training, account registration, to determine whether you can use system review Should I Use checklist.

12. Go through checklist, license, rooftop solar panel system, 10KW or less, Adobe reader. All Yes then explain three choices, assume contractor has an account and turn over to Stephen for plans demo.

13. System Design and Plans Generation
Electronic PV Design Manual (e-PVDM)
Prepare a complete set of plans ready for permitting with minimal user inputs
Develop a simple, easy to use interface
Standardize the plans set for review, installation, inspection, and maintenance
Built-in flexibility to remains current and not subject to limitations of pre-engineered plans

14. Resources National Electrical Code (NEC 2011) ASCE 7 – 10
Florida Building Code
Partners, Orange, Alachua, Miami-Dade, Broward
Solar ABCS Expedited Permitting
Solar ABCS Solar Reference Map
FIU – International Hurricane Research Center
Current and Previous SunShot Projects
Solar Nexus, Centecorp, TIAX, etc

15. Go through checklist, license, rooftop solar panel system, 10KW or less, Adobe reader. All Yes then explain three choices, assume contractor has an account and turn over to Stephen for plans demo.

16. Plans Approval
Building officials issue permits based on documents endorsed by an approval authority
Approval paths include
A licensed Engineer or Architect
An approved test lab or product evaluation entity
Adoption by the Florida Building Code
A Master Design Manual: F.S (9)(b)

17. Plans Approval Options
Engineer or Architect sealed plans
Currently the most common path for applicants
Product approval
High up-front cost, limited in scope, and ‘static’
Building Code reference
Can be a lengthy process
Master Design Manual
Most viable option for and expedited process

18. Florida Statutes Master Design Manual defined by FL Statutes
A restrictive design manual intended to be used for design, permitting, and construction
Must be prepared by a licensed professional
Must be peer reviewed
Requires training for the users
Florida Solar Energy Center
Charged with Developing Standards for Solar Equipment

19. Program Sustainability
Florida Statute charges the Center to develop standards for solar energy systems
The e-PVDM can be developed as a recognized standard for Florida
The standard and the e-PVDM can be maintained and updated with relative ease
The standard can serve as a model for jurisdictions in other states

20. Plan demo complete and contractor has PDF plans
Plan demo complete and contractor has PDF plans. Contractor then goes back to home page of GSF website and clicks Online Permitting button, which then starts the permitting process.

21. The Florida Solar Permitting System Permitting
In regard to the flow diagram we are now entering the permitting system.

22. Welcome page is explained including one stop permitting with electronic review, project location within partner jurisdiction, non-typical installations apply in person. Requirements of use: license and review Should I Use and Required Documents. Click on Should I Use.

23. Go through checklist, solar PV system, license, insurance, printer, credit cards, insurance, plans. All yes, click on jurisdiction. Before we get to the e-permitting systems of the partners, revisit Go Solar Broward to show how we used what worked best in Go Solar Broward as we transition into Go Solar Florida.

24. As you can see we have a welcome pages with certain explanations and clarifications that were included based on our learnings and these learnings were carried over to Go Solar Florida. For Example, issues arising from projects in special districts or non-typical installations.

25. Or the should I Use Checklists with applicable items carrying over to Go Solar Florida: like printer, contractors license and credit cards.

26. Contractor is ready to apply for permit and project is located in Orange County. Clicks on Orange County.

27. Orange County FastTrack Online Application
Orange County will walk through their e-permitting system.

28. LDMS System Property Validation
Orange County will walk through their e-permitting system.

29. LDMS System People Validation
Orange County will walk through their e-permitting system.

30. LDMS System Permit Issuance
Orange County will walk through their e-permitting system.

31. LDMS System Permit Inspection and Completion
Orange County will walk through their e-permitting system.

32. The Florida Solar Permitting System Permitting
In regard to the flow diagram we are still in the permitting system.

33. Contractor is ready to apply for permit and project is located in Miami Dade County. Clicks on Miami Dade County.

34. Boris Sursky LEED AP BD+C Roofing Plans Processor Department of Regulatory & Economic Resources Miami-Dade County miamidade.gov
Miami-Dade will discuss Building Code Standards and walk through their e-permit system, emphasizing Miami-Dade’s extensive e-Permitting experience (15-20 minutes).

35. - National Electrical Code NEC 2011 Article 690
Building Codes & Standards considered by
Authority's Having Jurisdiction when permitting PV
Florida Building Codes FBC
- FBC Building
FBC Existing Building Code
FBC Residential
High Velocity Hurricane Zone HVHZ
HVHZ Test Protocols
- FBC Electrical
- National Electrical Code NEC 2011 Article 690
Miami-Dade will discuss Building Code Standards and walk through their e-permit system, emphasizing Miami-Dade’s extensive e-Permitting experience (15-20 minutes).

36. Building Codes & Standards considered by
Authority's Having Jurisdiction when permitting PV
International Fire Code IFC
ASCE 7-10 Minimum Design Loads for Buildings & Other Structures
- Chapter 26 Wind Loads General Requirements
- Chapter 31 Wind Loads Components & Cladding
Florida Solar Energy Center FSEC PV system certification
- Mandated by Florida Legislature
Underwriters Laboratory UL
- Electrical component certification
- Module ratings
Miami-Dade will discuss Building Code Standards and walk through their e-permit system, emphasizing Miami-Dade’s extensive e-Permitting experience (15-20 minutes).

37. Miami-Dade will discuss Building Code Standards and walk through their e-permit system, emphasizing Miami-Dade’s extensive e-Permitting experience (15-20 minutes).

38. Welcome to the RER Website
Miami-Dade will discuss Building Code Standards and walk through their e-permit system, emphasizing Miami-Dade’s extensive e-Permitting experience (15-20 minutes).

39. Miami-Dade will discuss Building Code Standards and walk through their e-permit system, emphasizing Miami-Dade’s extensive e-Permitting experience (15-20 minutes).

40. The Florida Solar Permitting System Future Expectations
In regard to the flow diagram we are now closing the loop. For our last e-permitting example and the value added by the GoSolarFlorida multi-jurisdictional approach. Alachua County will step through their e-permitting system and demonstrate their award-winning GIS-functional system called Map Genius that can be modified and developed by other jurisdictions, and how Map Genius could be incorporated into the FSPS (15-20 minutes total presentation).

41. Contractor is ready to apply for permit and project is located in Alachua County. Clicks on Alachua County.

42. The Florida Solar Permitting System Future Expectations
The loop has been closed, final recap of plans and permitting steps and hand off to Kay for Beyond Permitting.

43. Context: Beyond Permitting
The Florida Solar Permitting System includes a suite of web-based market incentive tools including:
Planning and Zoning Best Practices
Outreach/Marketing
Solar Financing Options
Now that you have seen the demo, I will emphasize the progress made and future plans for the non permit-related components of the grant (education, marketing and financing).

44. Planning and Zoning
Link to About Us tab with an exploration of contents including opening the Best Management Practices and the sample Zoning Ordinance.

45. Planning and Zoning Best Management Practices
Review literature and previous research studies.
Assess how well existing zoning ordinances accommodate and encourage solar technology into existing construction and building plans.
Raise public awareness of solar technologies and rooftop photovoltaic systems.
The Planning and Zoning Best Management Practices document was updated to include the input of the partners within the SOPO deadline of September 30, To summarize the best practices, the Planning and Zoning Team … (SLIDE)

46. Planning and Zoning Best Management Practices (cont’d)
Develop methods to promote solar rights.
Identify ways to re-assess how well existing zoning ordinances accommodate and encourage improvements to future developments in solar technology.

47. Planning and Zoning Model Zoning Ordinance (cont’d)
Define rooftop photovoltaic (PV) solar system as permitted accessory use in all zoning categories;
Define height of rooftop PV solar system separately from other height requirements;
Address design standards (including historic designation and special zoning districts); and,
Address removal/relocation of trees.
Team reviewed and updated the solar-friendly model zoning ordinance to be adopted by all partners. Based on state statute, no jurisdiction can prohibit solar installations. However, the GO SOLAR Florida initiative requires the zoning codes of all Go SOLAR Florida partners to be solar-friendly on a more uniform basis.

48. Planning and Zoning Model Zoning Ordinance (cont’d)
Acknowledge that issuance of a permit does not eliminate additional regulations or requirements related to a homeowner or condominium association or other restrictive covenants;
Acknowledge that issuance of a permit does not create a right to remain free of shadows and/or obstructions caused by development on adjoining property or growth of trees; and,
Require proper maintenance of the PV system. 
Additional provisions, such as those in the GO SOLAR Florida model ordinance, include the following …. (SLIDE)

49. Planning and Zoning Model Zoning Ordinance
Deadline for adoption of solar-friendly zoning ordinance and amendments -- March 31, 2015
Broward County – June 26, 2012
Alachua County – September 23, 2014
Orange County – expected end of March
Miami-Dade reviewed the model zoning ordinance and concluded that the Miami-Dade zoning code does not need to be amended
Miami-Dade reviewed the model zoning ordinance and concluded that the Miami-Dade zoning code does not need to be amended.

50. Outreach and Marketing
Marketing Website
Link to About Us tab, Marketing tab, with an exploration of contents including
opening the marketing plan
Step into solar
Hand them to Josh

51. Financing Options Financing Options Tab
Link to About Us tab, Financing options tab, with an exploration of contents including opening
financing action plan
pros/cons matrix.

52. Grant Progress Measured Against the SOPO
Report Card
Task 1
Develop governance structure
Status
Minutes of the kick-off meeting
Go SOLAR-Florida Charter documenting key players, and other administrative elements of the governance structure
Executed inter-county interlocal agreements
4 of 6 complete, St. Lucie County and the City of Venice withdrew
Executed partner agreements with FSEC and FAU
1 of 2 complete, FAU withdrew
Grant Progress Measured Against the SOPO
Kay will then review grant progress against SOPO requirements in this abbreviated, report card format. At the end of this portion, DOE will see a single representation of GoSolarFlorida’s progress as compared to SOPO requirements, concluding in a percentage score of work completed/work due.
We have completed two sub-tasks of Task 1 and partially completed 2 more. On , The County Administrator (Daniel McIntyre) for St Lucie County sent a letter to Jeff withdrawing their intention to participate. Their stated reason was solar contractors in their area are not demonstrating a need for the improved permitting process. On , Jeff and Cathy met with Howard Tipton to discuss re-engaging St. Lucie County. Add more here after meeting occurs.
On , we received a letter from City Manager, Ed Lavallee from the City of Venice withdrawing from the grant. Their reason:
The city has implemented a broad-based building dept software program and Go SOLAR Florida funding would be redundant.
They plan to work with solar ready ad the swfrpc who are geographically closer than us
Their building official who had spent time with our project left.
Although they executed an inter-local agreement with us, Monroe county also withdrew. They issued an RFP for their grant commitments and had some problems which prevented them from completing work on time. They are a very small office. We requested that they stay involved and they have on a passive basis and have expressed interest in participation in budget period two if we are funded.
FAU notified us by on that they would discontinue their participation (due to lack of contract). Dr. Diana Mitsova has remained involved in the project.

53. Integrate new BC cities into Go Solar Broward
Report Card
Task 2
Integrate new BC cities into Go Solar Broward
Status
Executed county-city interlocal agreements
5 of 9 complete
Updated video of training webinar posted to
Deferred
New partner cities will be operational on
Grant Progress Measured Against the SOPO
Due to upcoming changes to the Florida Fire Prevention Code, which will become enforceable in January 1, 2015, the preapproved plans used in Go SOLAR Broward will no longer be in compliance. Adding to that, the Go Solar Broward solution is not scalable.
With that in mind, we plan to focus all of our efforts on the Go SOLAR Florida permitting system. Consequently, we have deferred our efforts to execute interlocal agreements with the four remaining cities until the new Go SOLAR Florida permitting system is up and running.

54. Refine & replicate Go Solar Broward with Partners
Report Card
Task 3
Refine & replicate Go Solar Broward with Partners
Status
Weblink to the implemented FSEC online electronic plans storehouse
Weblink exists to demo (due )
Design plans for, or weblinks to each partner county’s ePermit solution
Weblinks for each partner exist, but are not linked to gosolarflorida.org because it is not live
Completion of FSEC training in the use of their online electronic storehouse, documented by a video of a live webinar training posted online
Will be scheduled upon completion of permit system
Grant Progress Measured Against the SOPO
Instead of using the refining and replicating the preapproved plans created in Go Solar Broward, we have evolved into a new permitting system.
While starting over takes time, our new system will be better. As you saw in the demonstration, it will be based on any system of panels, racks and invertors used. Contractor inputs the data and the 3 line electrical drawing and structural drawings will be created on the fly. These will be permit-ready. The user can then either print them out or them to their jurisdiction to receive their expedited permit. This is clearly the better product. It will be replicable everywhere, unlike the Broward System.
But we are admittedly behind schedule. Instead of a complete product, we have a demo.
We have not trained anyone to use the new system yet, it is not yet live.

55. Grant Progress Measured Against the SOPO
Report Card
Task 4
Revise Planning & Zoning BMPs
Status
An inter-county Planning and Zoning Best Management Practices and model zoning ordinance
Formal adoption of the zoning ordinance language by all permitting jurisdictions
Targeted to be
complete by
Grant Progress Measured Against the SOPO
We are on track with Task 4. Earlier, I showed you the sample ordinance. Broward and Alachua Counties have formally adopted zoning ordinances. Miami-Dade confirmed that existing ordinance is already compliant with model zoning ord. Orange County scheduled bringing the ordinance before their commission, all prior to which was the deadline.
Blue check mark indicates that the work is not complete today, but will be complete on time by the end of Qtr 6.

56. Grant Progress Measured Against the SOPO
Report Card
Task 5
Enhance Financing Options
Status
Weblink to the Florida Solar Financing Action Plan posted online
Weblink to recommended proclamation language supporting Action Plan posted online
Web link to all executed proclamations from all partner counties in support of Action Plan posted online
Targeted to be complete by
Grant Progress Measured Against the SOPO
We are on track with Task 5.
Broward County has scheduled the proclamation to go before our commission in January.
Orange County’s commission approved the Resolution of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners regarding the Expansion of Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Energy in the State of Florida and Recognizing a Florida Solar Financing Action Plan on January 15.
All other partners plan to have approval on or before the deadline of
Blue check mark indicates that the work is not complete today, but will be complete on time by the end of Qtr 6.

57. Grant Progress Measured Against the SOPO
Report Card
Task 6
Outreach Campaign
Status
Go SOLAR Florida Marketing Plan
Conduct at least four workshops on solar rights
Conduct one workshop between partner county power companies to promote collaboration on consistent, statewide net metering and interconnection standards
Complete the Second Annual Go SOLAR & Renewable Energy Fest
Grant Progress Measured Against the SOPO
We have completed all sub-tasks for task 6.
Blue check mark indicates that the work is not complete today, but will be complete on time by the end of Qtr 6.

58. Bridging the Gap Incomplete Tasks How they will be addressed Task 2
Integrate new BC cities into Go Solar Broward
2.1 Executed county-city interlocal agreements
Once the new Go SOLAR Florida permitting system is live, we will go back to the cities. The new system will be easier and they will see the value and want to be part of it.
2.2 Updated video of training webinar posted to
This will be accomplished in Task 3.3 below.
2.3 New partner cities will be operational on
New partner cities will be operational on
Task 3
Refine & replicate Go Solar Broward with Partners
3.1 Weblink to the implemented FSEC online electronic plans storehouse
Projected to go live Qtr
3.2 Design plans for or weblinks to each partner county’s ePermit solution
Will be completed as project goes live
3.3 Completion of FSEC training in the use of their online electronic plans storehouse, documented by a video of a live webinar training posted online and instructions for the use of the storehouse
New proposed deadline: Qtr 3, 2015
The presentation will conclude with the identification of any gaps between where we are and where we had hoped to be, and the solution for those gaps. REVIEW SLIDE
Lost partners: as discussed earlier, we lost four partners.
FAU
City of Venice
Monroe County
St Lucie County

59. Overall Report Cards As of Today Projected as of 3-31-15 Task # Status
100 2 41 3 75 4 85 5 84 6 90
Overall
79%
Task #
Status 1
100 2 41 3 75 4 5 6
Overall
86%

60. Go SOLAR Florida Industry Advisory Council
Recognized need for industry input as we develop plans system
Formed with industry leaders from around the state
Already met twice
Enthusiastic response to assist us to create plans system that meets their needs
The purpose of the Go SOLAR Florida Industry Advisory Council is to provide feedback to the Go SOLAR Florida partners as they develop the simplified permitting process and related efforts. The goal of the Go SOLAR Florida program is to provide a value added tool that is relevant to the needs of the industry.
The members of the IAC were appointed by the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), with confirmation by the Go SOLAR Florida Project Manager. IAC members are:
Dave Bessette, ETS (Orlando)
Paul Farren, The Energy Store (Hollywood)
Bill Gallagher, Solar Fit (Daytona Beach)
Tom Harriman, Harriman’s Solar (Venice)
Wayne Irwin, Pure Energy Solar (Gainesville)
Barry Jacobson, Solar Impact (Gainesville)
Chris Maingot, Universal Solar (Orlando)
Troy Millar, The Leveredge (Tampa)
Brian Moody, All Solar Solutions
Ed Strobel, Sunshine Solar Services (Ft. Lauderdale)
Bob Zrallack, UMA Solar (Orlando)
The members represent the solar energy industry and may include building officials and representatives from utility companies, the financial industry, and other interested parties. They represent various areas of the State of Florida and have met twice thus far and look forward to interacting with Go SOLAR Florida to create a plans system that meets their needs.

61. The Way Forward (cont.)
DOE gives us the Go to move forward for Budget Period Two
Complete the permitting/plans system
Go live
Develop a Functional Financial tool
Our goal is that we have impressed you enough to give us the Go on March 31 and then we can spend the next year improving it.
Next, we work on completing the permitting/plans system.
After our system goes live, we will focus on a more functional financial tool that will assist in finding financing.

62. The Way Forward (cont.) Fine-tune the plans system
More plans entered into system
More permits issued utilizing our system
Contractors are impressed
Building officials embrace consistent format of plans
We entice lost sheep back in the fold
fine-tune the plans system,
more plans will be created,
more permits will be issued utilizing our system
end result will be wider use of our system due its attractive nature
It will be easy
Scalable
Dependable
Reliable
Standardized
This will enable us to get partners like Monroe County, St. Lucie County and the City of Venice involved once again.

63. The Way Forward (cont.)
Continue to work with partners to make permitting more standardized over the various jurisdictions.
Work with Partners/Plans Team and the State to get an approved Master File System in place for the plans system.
Work with partners to facilitate handoff of Go Solar Florida Website to FSEC.

64. Budget Period Two SOPO
Task 7: Standardize solar permitting within each county
Subtask 7.1: Train partners and contractors to use system
Subtask 7.2: Monitor & evaluate, refine
Deliverable: Web links to all ePermit solutions implemented within all partner counties. (Q9)

65. Budget Period Two SOPO Task 8: Marketing & Outreach
Conduct at least two workshops on solar rights – Q10
Seek audience with the Florida Public Service Commission to presents results of Go-SOLAR Florida – Q10
Conduct one state-wide financial options workshop – Q10
Post all marketing and outreach materials online – Q10
Report on success of Go SOLAR-Florida Marketing Plan, including the estimated total number of customer touch points – Q10
The 3rd Annual Go SOLAR Fest will be conducted within a partner location, to include a qualitative/quantitative analysis of how Go SOLAR-Florida has impacted the solar market in participating jurisdications, and plans for the future. Impact metrics similar to Task 6– Q10

66. Budget Period Two SOPO Task 9 Project Management and Reporting
Market Maturity Indicators will be collected
Reports and deliverables will be provided to DOE with the Federal Assistance Reporting Checklist. (Q days)

67. Key Takeaways Team has made solid progress on grant commitments
Go Solar Florida team is strongly committed to this project
SunShot grant a unique catalyst for solar in Florida