City of Providence
SolSmart Designees
Providence
Rhode Island
- Created an active energy task force – The Environmental Sustainability Task Force – that meets at least three times per year
- Hosted a community “Solarize” campaign, Solarize Providence, allowing residents to benefit from group discounts and affordable solar financing
- Provided Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing for eligible properties
- 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
