Evanston’s efforts to make it faster, easier, and more affordable for homes and businesses to go solar has earned it a Gold designation from the U. S. Department of Energy’s SolSmart program.
The organization cited these steps taken by the city to encourage solar energy growth and remove obstacles to solar development:
Streamlning the process of solar energy installations by creating a solar permit instead of requiring an electrical permit and a building permit.
Creating a one-stop shop webpage to provide helpful information to solar energy installers and residents.
Facilitating staff participation in trainings on best practices on solar installation and permitting.
“I’m proud that Evanston is being recognized for its commitment to supporting solar energy,” said Mayor Stephen Hagerty. “Evanston has a long history of leading in climate action by reducing carbon emissions through the purchase of renewable energy, installing solar generation, and increasing energy efficiency.”
SolSmart is led by The Solar Foundation and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative.
More than 100 cities, counties, and small towns have achieved SolSmart designation since the program launched in 2016.