Ypsilanti | SolSmart

Ypsilanti is proud of our work in creating a solar friendly environment. In 2017 the City of Ypsilanti was given a SolSmart Gold designation from the Solar Foundation, which has highlighted our solar progress going from zero to over 1.2MW of solar power in the past 14 years. Being the first SolSmart award in Michigan helps us continue our mission of a 1000 solar roofs and bringing solar power to non-profits and low income people." Beth C Bashert, Mayor of Ypsilanti

SolSmart Criteria
Program Highlights
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

Program Highlights

Fire department has been trained in solar PV and the fire station has 50kW of solar power installed on the roof.
Provided Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing for solar energy projects
Encouraged solar PV on non-profit or community facilities, including Adams School, Corner Health Center, Growing Hope Farmer’s Market, and others, through fee waivers, technical assistance, or other support

Case Study

As the first SolSmart designee in the state of Michigan, Ypsilanti is paving the way for the future of the Michigan future of solar energy by making the process of obtaining solar energy less prohibitive for residents and businesses. Since becoming SolSmart designated, Ypsilanti has installed or encouraged a number of projects that increased its solar capacity to 1.16 megawatts, earning the city the 2019 Smart Cities Connects’ Horizon Award for “Building Community with Solar Power”.

Click here to read the full case study on Ypsilanti

Ypsilanti MI

Designation Level: SolSmart Gold

In The News

Solsmart Advisor

Technical Assistance Organization

Solar Organization

SolSmart Criteria

Program Highlights

Case Study

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?

Ypsilanti MI

Designation Level: SolSmart Gold

In The News

Solsmart Advisor

Technical Assistance Organization

Solar Organization

SolSmart Criteria

Program Highlights

Case Study