Streamlining solar and storage permitting processes is beneficial to local jurisdictions and contractors alike. And by increasing transparency and reducing barriers, soft costs are reduced for customers as well.

Utilizing the criteria developed by SolSmart, a national program that gauges the solar-friendliness of communities’ processes, the project team is providing technical assistance to local jurisdictions in streamlining their permitting procedures and incorporating current best practices.

Garfield County and the towns of Silt and Carbondale have received SolSmart designations, and several other jurisdictions are actively working toward designations. As more local governments adopt these measures, solar companies will be further incentivized to do business in the area, driving economic development and creating local jobs.