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Health & Fitness

Mission Viejo Reduces the Cost of Solar Power by Waiving Permitting Fees

The City of Mission Viejo is one of two is a solar friendly cities in Orange County

 California leads our nation in solar with 150,000 solar projects in the state and over 1,562 megawatts installed, according to the California Solar Initiative data. The average cost per watt has come down substantially and is roughly  $5.74 for projects smaller than 10 kilowatts. In Mission Viejo alone there are over 160 successful residential solar installations, with many residents continuing to jump on the solar bandwagon daily.   

Mission Viejo waives the solar permitting fee. In some cities this permitting can cost the consumer anywhere from $50-$600. This fee is typically passed on to the consumer through the contract price. By streamlining the permitting process, the City has enabled business and property owners in Mission Viejo to go solar at an affordable price in terms of cost per watt. This has helped increase the amount of solar in Mission Viejo, while supporting the city’s motto, “make living your mission.”

Mission Viejo has numerous educational-based classes, such as an annual Earth Day celebration, free composting classes that teach about vermicomposting and composting at home, and photography classes which allows residents to dabble in new hobbies and skills.  My favorite educational aspect the City provides is the Solar Energy Education Program. The City has provided residents with a plethora of educational resources on how solar technology works, return on investment information, tips for hiring a contractor and much more. Through this innovative program Mission Viejo is able to give consumers the valuable knowledge they need to know when looking into getting solar on their property.

Mission Viejo residents have the opportunity to take part in city’s renewable energy portfolio by taking part in the Mission Viejo Solar Program. The program is administered by Sullivan Solar Power, and offers residents the opportunity to get paid to get solar. Through this program residents are able to go solar for no upfront cost and receive up to $2,000 cash back. The three-month initiative will come to a close on June 3, 2013.

The program will close on Monday, June 3, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. Homeowners who want to participate in the Mission Viejo Solar Program are encouraged to visit MissionViejoSolarProgram.org or to call 1.800.SULLIVAN.   



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