Edina | SolSmart

Technical Assistance Organization

It was great to go through the SolSmart certification process because it gave us a third-party audit and allowed us to see what experts, as well as other cities, did to ensure that our community was open for solar.” Tara Brown, Sustainability Manager

SolSmart Criteria
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
Created a streamlined process to approve certain solar permit applications over the counter

Case Study

Edina, Minnesota is a solar leader in the region with one of the first city-led and financed Community Solar garden. Through innovation and collaboration, the City of Edina has demonstrated their commitment to making solar available to all, including low-to moderate income houses and those who cannot host solar panels on their roofs. To learn more of Edina’s efforts, click here to read the full case study.

Edina MN

Designation Level: SolSmart Gold

Technical Assistance Organization

SolSmart Criteria

Case Study

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Edina MN

Designation Level: SolSmart Gold

Technical Assistance Organization

SolSmart Criteria

Case Study