Charleston County

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In The News

11/17/2016 The Charleston Chronicle
Charleston County Receives National Recognition for Encouraging Solar Market Growth

Technical Assistance Organization

The Solar Foundation

Solar Power is a great example of how Charleston County strives to be on the cutting edge of providing the best to our citizens. This award is an excellent opportunity to shine a light on our efforts to provide our citizens, businesses, and industry the best support and tools they need to invest in solar power." County Council Chairman Elliott Summey

SolSmart Criteria
Program Highlights
SolSmart Case Study

SolSmart Criteria

Created an online permitting checklist, increasing transparency for community members and solar installers
Reviewed local zoning codes and identified restrictions that intentionally or unintentionally prohibit solar PV development
Allowed solar by-right accessory use in all zones (so solar installations don’t require special permits or hearings)
Cross-trained both inspection and permitting staff on solar PV
Provided a streamlined permitting pathway for small PV systems

Program Highlights

Adopted the most recent International Code Council codes on solar PV
Installed solar on local facilities

SolSmart Case Study

Case Study: The Road to Gold for Charleston County

Charleston County has earned its place in the SolSmart “hall of fame” as one of the first SolSmart designees in the U.S. Southeast. As the county achieved Bronze, Silver, and then Gold designations, county staff worked to streamline solar processes and organize resources to make going solar faster, simpler, and more transparent for residents and businesses alike. Click here to read the full case study on Charleston County and their efforts to achieve Gold designation.

Charleston County SC

Designation Level: SolSmart Gold

In The News

Technical Assistance Organization

SolSmart Criteria

Program Highlights

SolSmart Case Study

Solar Energy: SolSmart’s Toolkit For Local Governments

SolSmart Issue Brief: Land Use Considerations for Large-Scale Solar

SolSmart Report: Solar & Electric Vehicles, A Guide For Local Governments

Updated SolSmart Criteria and Program Guide Released

New Report: Large-Scale Solar Development, A Playbook for Southwest Virginia

New Issue Brief: Land Use Considerations for Large-Scale Solar

Charleston County SC

Designation Level: SolSmart Gold

In The News

Technical Assistance Organization

SolSmart Criteria

Program Highlights

SolSmart Case Study