Santa Maria Sun / News

Santa Barbara supervisors go solar

BY NICHOLAS WALTER

Santa Barbara County residents will have an easier time harnessing the power of the sun thanks to new initiatives from the county Board of Supervisors.

The board recently voted 5-0 to direct staffers to work on an Energy Efficiency Improvement Financing Program and to streamline the permitting process for residents who want to install rooftop and freestanding solar systems, according to a press release from the county,

Both programs were initiated by 1st District Supervisor Salud Carbajal.

“Santa Barbara County has a long history of leadership and innovation on environmental issues, and I’m extremely excited that we’re able to move forward with these solar energy initiatives today,” Carbajal said in the release. 

One possible option for financing home-based solar systems could be allowing residents to pay for the systems through supplemental assessments on their local property tax bills, according to program documents.

This would allow residents to pay for the equipment necessary via their property taxes while, at the same time, receiving the immediate benefits of solar upgrades.

The board also approved ordinance amendments to streamline the county permitting process for both roof-mounted and freestanding solar systems. This was after Carbajal learned of concerns from community members who had gone through the permitting process.