Summit County | SolSmart

Technical Assistance Organization

National League of Cities

The Summit County community has lofty climate action goals and solar will play a critical role in meeting them. Significant amounts of solar pv are being installed around the county due to our abundant, Colorado sunshine, low fees, streamlined permitting process, and bulk buying program. Thanks SolSmart for helping Summit County become a local leader in solar energy installation. Michael Wurzel, Summit County Government Sustainability Coordinator

SolSmart Criteria

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

Summit County CO

Designation Level: SolSmart Gold

Technical Assistance Organization

SolSmart Criteria

Solar Energy: SolSmart’s Toolkit For Local Governments

National Academies Study Evaluates Impact of SolSmart Program

SolSmart Program Guide

Sustainable States Network: Linking State-Based Recognition Programs

SolarAPP+ Spotlight: Removing Red Tape on Solar Projects Nationwide

How Do You Track Solar in Your Community?

Summit County CO

Designation Level: SolSmart Gold

Technical Assistance Organization

SolSmart Criteria