Your browser is not supported. This site is not intended for display in out-of-date browsers. To access the site, please upgrade to a different browser.
SolSmart
  • MY ACCOUNT
  • SIGN UP FOR UPDATES
  • ✕
  • How We Help

    SolSmart is a national designation program designed to recognize communities that have taken key steps to address local barriers to solar energy and foster the growth of mature local solar markets.

    • What is SolSmart?
    • Why Should You Apply?
    • SolSmart Criteria
    • The Designation Process
    • Technical Assistance
    • SolSmart Advisors
  • Our Designees

    SolSmart is a national designation program designed to recognize communities that have taken key steps to address local barriers to solar energy and foster the growth of mature local solar markets.

    • SolSmart Designee Map
    • SolSmart Leaderboards
    • Case Studies
  • Resources
    • Solar Energy: SolSmart’s Toolkit For Local Governments

    • National Academies Study Evaluates Impact of SolSmart Program

    • SolSmart Program Guide

    Simplified Solar Permitting GuideView All Resources
  • News
    • 5.24.22

      DOE Expands SolSmart Program to Deploy More Solar Energy to Underserved Communities

    • 5.12.22

      These 5 Communities are the First SolSmart Designees in Puerto Rico

    • 5.5.22

      SolSmart Celebrates 19 Designees in the Carolinas!

    View All News & Events
  • Get Started

    Are you ready to become SolSmart? Schedule a consultation with a technical expert to learn more, or use our online form to complete and submit your application.

    Request a Consultation
    • Request a Consultation
    • Apply for Designation
    • SolSmart Program Guide and Modified Pathways

Minneapolis MN

Designation Level: SolSmart Gold

Special Awards Earned In: Planning and Zoning
In The News
  • 01/26/2017 City of Minneapolis Gov't
    Minneapolis wins awards for solar energy and clean energy
  • 10/29/2018 CBS Minnesota
    A Solar Garden Is Coming To Minneapolis
Technical Assistance Organization
  • National Renewable Energy Laboratory
  • View Website
  • Share Profile
  1. SolSmart Criteria
  2. Program Highlights
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
  • Created a streamlined process to approve certain solar permit applications over the counter
  • Created and shared an interactive solar map of the community called Find My Solar Suitability
  • Installed solar PV on city facilities, totaling 243kW across six locations including fire and transit facilities
  • Provided Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing for solar PV
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

  • Get Started
  • Contact
  • twitter
  • facebook
  • youtube
SolSmart is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office.
visit icma.org IREC, visit https://www.irecusa.org/
GET STARTED TODAY! REQUEST FOR CONSULTATION APPLY FOR DESIGNATION MAKE A REFERRAL
  • Home
  • About SolSmart
  • FAQs
  • Legal
© 2022 SolSmart. All Rights Reserved. SolSmart is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office.