This winter has seen a significant rise in the cost of fossil fuels.  At the mercy of the recent bitter cold temperatures, energy bills have skyrocketed and many local governments are contemplating how they can assist their residents in offsetting these costs in the future.

Renewable fuels, particularly solar technology, hold tremendous potential for helping hold the line on energy costs.  But local building codes and zoning ordinances often don’t support or encourage the use of this important energy alternative.

So, how can a local government be more supportive and encourage the development of solar technology?  The American Planning Association (APA) suggests the following:

• Provide information about the solar resources available in different parts of the community in the local government’s comprehensive plan.  A solar resource map showing which areas of the community receive the most sunlight annually or a description of what types of sites work best for solar technology are key elements to include.
• Review the community’s development regulations to insure they protect solar access.  When a site is being subdivided, it’s critical to orient and design lots so that structures of a certain height at certain location on each lot will not block solar access to adjacent lots.
• Require or create incentives to encourage the construction of "solar-ready" homes.  "Solar-ready" means that the building is constructed in such a way that installing and connecting a solar energy system (whether photovoltaic or solar thermal) does not require additional wiring, plumbing, or building modification.
• Discuss and decide how solar technology systems should be defined.  Some communities permit accessory solar energy systems by right in all districts while others have special permitting processes that take into account site design and impacts to adjacent property owners. Over the past few years it has become increasingly common for communities to adopt specific standards for accessory solar energy systems to address placement issues without requiring a discretionary review.
• Consider developing specific criteria for large-scale community solar projects.  While most such projects are subject to review by Federal and State review, more communities are recognizing such developments should be considered a critical land use.

For more information and examples of local government policies, check out APA’s SunShot Solar Outreach Partnership website.