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!
Solar Friendly Communities
Denver, Fort Collins, Aurora, Arvada, Lakewood, Lafayette, Carbondale, Nederland, Lyons, Parker, Pikes Peak Regional Building District, Boulder County
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