Hometown News
Satellite Beach installs new solar canopy
11/29/2018
SolSmart Designees
Satellite Beach
Florida
Population: 11,130
Designation Level:
SolSmart Gold
Year Designated:
2016
- Created a streamlined process to approve certain solar permit applications over the counter.
- Offered an online process for permitting submission and approval.
- Provided an online process for scheduling and responding to inspection requests.
- Provided Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing for eligible properties.
- The city charges minimum permitting fees ($74) for the installation of photovoltaic solar panels, and has enacted regulations to allow installations only by experienced contractors approved by the City Council.
- 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
The bottom line is it's now cheaper to have solar than it is to not have it. The goal is to not have an electric bill. lt's all about the money when you show somebody an electric bill that is basically zero, but there are important environmental benefits as well.
- Sustainability board co-founder Josh Pause
