The Kansas City Star
Kansas City gets top recognition for promoting solar energy
09/27/2016
SolSmart Designees
Kansas City
Missouri
Population: 495,327
Designation Level:
SolSmart Gold
Year Designated:
2016
- Created a streamlined process to approve certain solar permit applications over the counter
- Communicated regularly with Kansas City Power and Light Company on community goals for solar PV, net metering, and interconnection processes
- Engaged with the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) on advancing solar PV policies in the region including, but not limited to, unified permitting processes and group procurement opportunities
- Provided Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing via Show Me PACE
- 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
We are honored that Kansas City is among the first in the nation to receive the SolSmart Gold designation. Expanding solar energy not only helps fight climate change, but also attracts more entrepreneurs to the city while creating new jobs. A SolSmart designation shows that our city is truly on the cutting-edge of clean energy development nationwide.
- Troy Schulte, City Manager of Kansas City
