SolSmart assists local governments in streamlining solar permitting through several targeted strategies and resources designed to make solar installation faster, easier, and more affordable:
- Implementing Streamlined Permitting Processes: SolSmart helps local governments establish simplified permitting for common residential rooftop solar installations. These systems, typically standard across the industry, can be approved with just one permit and one inspection, reducing complexity and delays.
- Providing Permitting Checklists: SolSmart offers templates for permitting checklists that clearly outline what solar developers need to submit and how the local permitting process works. This transparency helps reduce confusion and accelerates permit approvals.
- Promoting Instant, Automated Permitting: Through platforms like SolarAPP+, SolSmart encourages communities to adopt online automated permitting systems. These platforms allow for instant approvals of straightforward rooftop solar projects, saving staff time and handling increased permit volumes more efficiently.
- Supporting Ground-Mount Solar Permitting: SolSmart ensures local governments have clear processes for accessory ground-mount photovoltaic (PV) systems, which are suitable for homeowners with less optimal roof conditions or larger properties, thereby expanding solar access.
- Offering Training for Staff: SolSmart provides various training resources, including recorded sessions and customized workshops, to educate permitting and inspection staff on solar technologies and streamlined procedures, improving expertise and consistency in the permitting process.
- Providing Free Technical Assistance: SolSmart’s technical assistance team supports local governments and regional organizations in implementing these improvements, accelerating the growth of affordable solar energy in their communities.
Together, these efforts by SolSmart enable local governments to reduce administrative burdens, increase transparency, and leverage technology to make solar permitting more efficient and accessible.
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