Community Briefs: Jazz up your weekend, get faster solar panel permits and safely dispose of electronics

Jazz up your weekend

This Saturday, Aug. 12, from 2 to 3 p.m., listen to Bay Area trumpeter Dave Rocha and his quartet play at Pioneer Memorial Park, located behind the Mountain View library on Franklin Street.

Dave Rocha has been performing with his jazz group for more than 20 years. They’ve played in a number of major cities, including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle. His band plays a mix of jazz standards, pop tunes and original compositions.

No registration is required for this public event. Information is online at mountainview.libcal.com.

Solar permitting made faster with new software

Homeowners may be able to install solar installations faster than ever before.

This coming Monday, Aug. 14, the city of Mountain View will be launching SolarAPP+, a web-based platform that automates solar permitting. It will enable licensed contractors to obtain permits for single-family residential solar installations within one business day after submitting all required project information and equipment specifications.

City officials hope the software will accelerate solar adoption across Mountain View, and they anticipate the system will benefit approximately 50 homes a week, according to a statement released by the city.

While SolarAPP+ currently focuses on single-family roof-mounted solar installations, the company has plans to expand in the future to include electric vehicle chargers for single-family homes and other development types, such as multifamily residential, commercial and industrial sites.

The Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) funded the initial development and commercialization of the SolarAPP+ tool in 2019 through an award to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), according to the company’s website.

Safely dispose of electronic waste and more

Do you have old batteries or phone chargers lying around that you need to safely throw out? Make an appointment to drop off hazardous waste in Mountain View on Aug. 26 through Santa Clara County’s Household Hazardous Waste Program.

At the event, residents are encouraged to safely dispose of unwanted household hazardous wastes, such as paint, batteries, electronics, garden chemicals, propane tanks, fluorescent and LED light bulbs, household cleaners and used automotive oil.

Appointments are required. To schedule one, click here and select “Mountain View” on the Aug. 26 date, or call 408-299-7300 to book an appointment.

Upon signing up, you will receive the address of the Mountain View drop-off location. Bring proof of Santa Clara County residency such as a driver’s license or utility bill to the event.

The county has permanent hazardous waste drop-off facilities available year-round to its residents by appointment. Visit HHW.org for the 2023 facility operating schedule and to make an appointment.