Gain Recognition For Your Efforts
By following the roadmap below, your city or county can gain recognition as a Solar Friendly Community. Solar energy is one of the fastest growing industries in the nation and promoting solar use can provide communities with a tangible economic development benefit. Streamlined processes today can yield rewards immediately and in the future.
You can take many routes to earning enough points to win designation as a Solar Friendly Community. The program is designed to be flexible and allow participation by both larger and smaller jurisdictions. Get started today!
12 Best Practices: A Roadmap to
a Solar Friendly Community
Take a trip on the roadmap! Click on each wedge to learn more.
Provide a checklist of all requirements for rooftop solar PV and solar thermal permitting in a single online location /// 275 points total possible
Offer a standard permit form that is eligible for streamlined review for standard residential or small commercial rooftop flush-mounted systems /// 275 points possible
Offer electronic or over-the-counter submittal and review options for standard systems /// 150 points possible
Issue permits within a specified time frame /// 100 points possible
Charge actual costs for permits and inspections with a cap on the total /// 200 points possible
Replace community-specific solar licenses, if required, with standard certification for installers /// 25 points possible
Provide inspection checklist that explains unique requirements beyond applicable codes /// 50 points possible
Specify a narrow time window for system inspection /// 75 points possible
For efficiency, require only one inspection for standard rooftop systems on existing homes or businesses /// 100 points possible
Adopt ordinances that encourage distributed solar generation and protect solar rights and access including reasonable roof setback requirements /// 150 points possible
Educate residents on solar energy by providing information on financing options and projected economic benefit /// 125 points possible
Show your commitment to being a Solar Friendly Community by tracking community solar development and provide tools showing solar access in your community /// 75 points possible
