Philadelphia | SolSmart

In The News

08/22/2018 Solar Industry Magazine
Philadelphia Officials Celebrate Solar Success In The City
08/17/2018 Solar Power World
Philadelphia energy industry comes together to celebrate solar growth

Technical Assistance Organization

Cadmus Group

Solar energy is a key tool to achieving our clean energy future. Philadelphia is proud to have been designated a SolSmart Gold City by the US Department of Energy for our efforts to remove barriers to solar energy growth, and we are committed to supporting the growth of additional clean, renewable solar energy as a way to reduce costs and pollution." Jim Kenney, Mayor, Philadelphia

SolSmart Criteria
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 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
Provided a streamlined permitting pathway for small PV systems

Program Highlights

Created a streamlined process to approve certain solar permit applications over the counter
Hosted a community “Solarize” campaign, Solarize Philly, allowing residents to benefit from group discounts and affordable solar financing
Created and shared an interactive solar map of the community available on the community’s webpage
Installed solar on local facilities, including a 250 kW array on the Southeast Wate Pollution Control Plant

Philadelphia PA

Designation Level: SolSmart Gold

In The News

Technical Assistance Organization

SolSmart Criteria

Program Highlights

Solar Energy: SolSmart’s Toolkit For Local Governments

National Academies Study Evaluates Impact of SolSmart Program

SolSmart Program Guide

Olympia, WA Makes Going Solar Easy for Residents

SolSmart Communities, Partners Awarded DOE Funds to Enhance Resilience

Soul Power: Equitable Solar Workforce Development in Michigan City, Indiana

Philadelphia PA

Designation Level: SolSmart Gold

In The News

Technical Assistance Organization

SolSmart Criteria

Program Highlights