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Edina MN
Designation Level: SolSmart Gold
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.