SolSmart Designees
Orange County
North Carolina
Population: 148,476
Designation Level:
SolSmart Silver
Year Designated:
2017
- Integrated solar PV and/or shared solar into relevant local plans (e.g. energy plan, climate plan, comprehensive plan), including quantifiable metrics or specific actions
- Supported a community-group purchase program (e.g., Solarize)
- Installed solar PV at Durham Technical Community College
- 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
