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The bottom line is it's now cheaper to have solar than it is to not have it. The goal is to not have an electric bill. lt's all about the money when you show somebody an electric bill that is basically zero, but there are important environmental benefits as well."Sustainability board co-founder Josh Pause
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 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
Offered an online process for permitting submission and approval
Provided an online process for scheduling and responding to inspection requests
Provided Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing for eligible propertie
The city charges minimum permitting fees ($74) for the installation of photovoltaic solar panels, and has enacted regulations to allow installations only by experienced contractors approved by the City Council.