Chapelboro.com
Chapel Hill and Carrboro Recognized by Federal Solar Power Program
05/19/2017
SolSmart Designees
Carrboro
North Carolina
- Trained fire and safety staff on solar PV
- Created and provided online a handout for developers, Land Use Considerations for Photovoltaic Installations, that provides an overview of what development regulations allow under which conditions (e.g. types and sizes of solar PV arrays permitted, the processes required, and other relevant information, such as design standards and policy outside of the zoning language)
- Hosted a community “Solarize” campaign, Solarize Carrboro, allowing residents to benefit from group discounts and affordable solar financing
- 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
