Best Practice Action 26.7
GreenStep City Best Practices: Resilient Economic and Community Development
Renewable Energy No. 26
Remove barriers to and encourage installation of renewable energy generation capacity.
Best Practice Action Detail
Best Practice Action 7
Become a solar-ready community, including adopting ordinance/zoning language and an expedited permit process for residents and businesses to install solar energy systems.
- See the Local Government Solar Toolkit and Workbook (Grow Solar: 2020) for rooftop solar planning, zoning and permitting resources pertinent to Minnesota.
- See codes, standards, and guides and checklists for streamlining permit applications, reviews and inspections from the SunShot Initiative at the US Dept. of Energy's Solar Energy Resource Center. Criteria for a better permitting process include: posting permitting requirements online and allowing fast (1-3 days) online permit processing; cost-based permitting fees; allow state licensures for installers; narrow inspection appointment window for one inspection.
- The Solar Power In Your Community guidebook (2022) assists local government officials and stakeholders in boosting solar deployment and overcoming common barriers in today's market through new case studies about innovative, field-tested approaches in cities and counties around the country and highlights the most current technologies and strategies to maximize the benefits of solar to all communities.
- Join the over 45 Minnesota communities that have a SolSmart designation. This national program, funded by the U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE), provides no-cost technical assistance to help local governments meet nationally-recognized best practices that encourage solar market growth.
- Data from the Minnesota Solar Suitability Analysis (2014) allows a city to assess its solar resource - document it's "proven solar reserves" (akin to oil and gas reserves) - to help shape zoning policies and focus economic development opportunities. Also view existing solar installations and other features on this web site by clicking the layers button.
- Consider incentives or guidance that promote pollinator habitat with ground mount solar systems. See the MN Habitat Friendly Solar Program and Pollinator Toolbox.
- Consider incentives or guidance that promote utilization of the NAACP Equity Solar Policy Principles.
- The City of La Crescent was the first in Minnesota in 2021 to approve a Solar Ready Home Certification that incentivizes residential home developers to make low-cost installations of the infrastructure needed to make homes solar-ready. See BPA 3.3 for more.
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Ensure via ordinance that solar energy installations (PV, hot water, hot air) are allowed land uses for appropriate zoning districts. Note that some early solar energy adoptions are reported under action 26.1 |
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Create a solar permit guideline to facilitate residential or small commercial solar installations permits; waive permit fees for solar installations for two years, or set a low fixed permit fee consistent with Grow Solar Toolkit recommendations. |
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Become a SolSmart-designated community; work with surrounding communities to use the same solar permit guidelines and fee structure. |
Who's doing it
Bemidji -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
In 2019, Bemidji was awarded with the bonze-level SolSmart Designation. Bemidji created an online permitting checklist, increasing transparency for community members and solar installers. In addition, Bemidji also reviewed local zoning codes and identified restrictions that intentionally or unintentionally prohibited solar PV development.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://solsmart.org/designee/bemidji
For more information contact:
Michelle Miller (City staff) | michelle.miller@ci.bemidji.mn.us | 218-759-3561
Partners:
Burnsville -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
In 2019, Burnsville was award the bronze-level SolSmart designation. Solar panels are allowed by ordinance and Burnsville has a permit checklist, ordinance fact sheet, and inspection checklist to help facilitate the installation of solar panels.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.burnsvillemn.gov/2339/Sustainability-Resources
For more information contact:
Jason Ludwigson (Contractor) | JDLudwigson@gmail.com | 5073139633
Partners: SolSmart
Duluth -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
Duluth has been a SolSmart Gold city since September, 2017. There is also a checklist to help guide residents through the solar permitting process on the city website, and permit requests can be submitted online for ease of access. Solar is allowed by-right and as an accessory use in all major zones.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Alex Jackson, Energy Coordinator (City staff) | ajackson@DuluthMN.gov | 218-730-4433
Partners:
Eden Prairie -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
In 2017 the City joined SolSmart, a solar designation program designed to help cities, counties and other local government organizations make it faster, easier and more affordable to install solar on homes and businesses. The City achieved SolSmart's Gold designation in 2019 for its efforts to support solar energy in the community.
As a SolSmart designee, the City has participated in several renewable energy programs and events such as Xcel Energy's Partners in Energy, Midwest Renewable Energy Association Solar Power Hours and the Minnesota Brightfields Initiative. The City also removed restrictions banning solar photovoltaic (PV) development and passed an ordinance allowing solar energy systems as an accessory use in all major zones.
In addition, the City provides information and tips on its website to assist residents and businesses with financing solar projects and navigating the solar permitting process, and is leading by example through installing solar PV systems on municipal buildings.
As a SolSmart designee, the City has participated in several renewable energy programs and events such as Xcel Energy's Partners in Energy, Midwest Renewable Energy Association Solar Power Hours and the Minnesota Brightfields Initiative. The City also removed restrictions banning solar photovoltaic (PV) development and passed an ordinance allowing solar energy systems as an accessory use in all major zones.
In addition, the City provides information and tips on its website to assist residents and businesses with financing solar projects and navigating the solar permitting process, and is leading by example through installing solar PV systems on municipal buildings.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.edenprairie.org/community/sustainable-eden-prairie/energy/renewable-energy
For more information contact:
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Partners:
Edina -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
The City of Edina is a SolSmart GOLD Community. With this title the City maintains its designation by ensuring solar permits are to be turned around in no more than 3 business days, providing an online scheduling inspection platform, and by building a community solar garden located on the rood of Edina's public works building. These actions have contributed to help drive the renewable energy scene and its efforts in the Twin Cities, and assist local residents in attaining clean, green and smart-sourced energy at an affordable price.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://solsmart.org/communities/edina/
For more information contact:
Grace Hancock (City Staff) | ghancock@edinamn.gov | (952)826-1621
Partners: SolSmart
Hutchinson -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
Hutchinson is recognized as a bronze level SolSmart community. Hutchinson became a SolSmart city in 2016, as they assisted with the installation of a solar field that provides energy for the wastewater plant.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://solsmart.org/communities/hutchinson-mn/
For more information contact:
John Paulson (City staff) | jpaulson@ci.hutchinson.mn.us | 320-234-5682
Partners:
La Crescent -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
The City of La Crescent has earned a Bronze designation from the national SolSmart program for making it faster, easier, and more affordable for homes and businesses to go solar. This designation recognizes La Crescent for taking bold steps to encourage solar energy growth and remove obstacles to solar development. SolSmart is led by The Solar Foundation and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office. More than 300 cities, counties, and small towns have achieved SolSmart designation since the program launched in 2016.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.cityoflacrescent-mn.gov/solsmart-bronze-award/
For more information contact:
Bill Waller (City staff) | BWaller@cityoflacrescent-mn.gov | 507-895-2595
Partners:
Shorewood -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
Shorewood is a SolSmart Bronze city, participating with the SolSmart program to ease the installation of solar on buildings throughout the city.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Julie Moore (City staff) | jmoore@ci.shorewood.mn.us | 952-960-7906
Partners:
South Saint Paul -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
In 2020, the City South St. Paul received Bronze designation in the SolSmart Program. SolSmart is led by The Solar Foundation and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office. More than 380 cities, counties, and small towns have achieved SolSmart designation since the program launched in 2016. To receive designation, cities and counties make changes to their local processes to reduce the time and money it takes to install a solar energy system. This includes evaluating local permitting processes, as well as planning and zoning procedures. During the summer of 2020, the City rewrote its solar ordinance to make the solar installation process easier and more straightforward. In addition, the City created a list of solar resources for residents and businesses that are interested in investing in solar energy systems. These resources include a solar permitting checklist, a list of organizations that offer solar financing options, and solar suitability mapping to help residents find the optimal location for solar on their property.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Monika Mann (City Staff) | mmann@southstpaul.org | 6515543273
Partners:
Warren -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
1 - Star
Created a solar permit checklist for small solar PV systems based on the recommendations of the Grow Solar Toolkit.
2 - Star
Complete 1 Star guidance as well as fixing the permit fee to $100.00 or $150.00 if an additional inspection is necessary.
3 - Star
In the process of becoming a SolSmart-certified city as well as receiving Bronze and Silver designations; once the City of Warren has received these and identified its pathway to Gold designation, these materials will be bundled into a template package for surrounding communities to use.
Created a solar permit checklist for small solar PV systems based on the recommendations of the Grow Solar Toolkit.
2 - Star
Complete 1 Star guidance as well as fixing the permit fee to $100.00 or $150.00 if an additional inspection is necessary.
3 - Star
In the process of becoming a SolSmart-certified city as well as receiving Bronze and Silver designations; once the City of Warren has received these and identified its pathway to Gold designation, these materials will be bundled into a template package for surrounding communities to use.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Establishing a framework to permit and process solar projects in Warren and its surrounding communities.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Shannon Mortenson (City staff) | shannonm@warrenminnesota.com | 218-745-5343
Partners: SolSmart; CERTs; Great Plains Institute
Winona -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
The City of Winona is a bronze level SolSmart certified city.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links: Current report on SolSmart actions achieved by Winona.
For more information contact:
John Howard (City staff) | jhoward@ci.winona.mn.us | 507-457-8273
Partners: SolSmart
Lake Elmo -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
The City of Lake Elmo is a solar-ready community, we have created zoning language regarding solar farms within some of our rural districts and we permit solar systems for those who prefer small scale green energy.
The smaller scale solar systems are completed through a building permit which is an expedited process of 1-2 weeks. Solar Farms are reviewed by City Council typically within 60 days of receiving a complete application.
The smaller scale solar systems are completed through a building permit which is an expedited process of 1-2 weeks. Solar Farms are reviewed by City Council typically within 60 days of receiving a complete application.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900
Partners:
Mora -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
An ordinance was passed October 16, 2018 to "encourage the use and development of renewable energy systems, including solar energy systems, that have a positive impact on energy conservation with limited adverse impact on nearby properties."
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/mora/latest/mora_mn/0-0-0-7714
For more information contact:
Alison Holland (Community Volunteer) | alison.holland@me.com | 6123906357
Partners:
Mountain Iron -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
Created and put community's solar permitting checklist online. Solar permit fees were reviewed and demonstrated to be reasonable fees: see https://mtniron.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Permit-Application-Solar.pdf
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://mtniron.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Pages-from-MinnesotaToolkitAug2017_Award-Banner.pdf
For more information contact:
Craig Wainio (City staff) | cwainio@ci.mountain-iron.mn.us | 218-748-7570
Partners:
Coon Rapids -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2014
Implementation details:
In the City of Coon Rapids, in order to be approved for solar installation for either residential or commercial use, one must complete the one (1) page "Solar Photovoltaic Installation Permit application." The completed application, along with a written/hardcopy plan of the particular project is provided to the City's Inspections Dept. for review. The review process will take up to (at most) 5-7 days.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links: http://www.coonrapidsmn.gov/documentcenter/view/3749
For more information contact:
Colleen Sinclair (City staff) | csinclair@coonrapidsmn.gov | 763-767-6485
Partners:
Farmington -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: N/A
Implementation details:
The city allows solar systems by ordinance. Community solar gardens are a conditional use in the A-1 Agriculture district. Solar energy systems (rooftop, etc) are a permitted accessory use in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-D residential districts. They are a conditional use in the A-1, B-1, B-2, and B-3 business districts.
Both types of solar systems have few performance standards giving residents and business owners a lot of flexibility.
Both types of solar systems have few performance standards giving residents and business owners a lot of flexibility.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jared Johnson (City Staff) | jjohnson@farmingtonmn.gov | 651-280-6824
Partners:
Fergus Falls -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City Code allowing solar energy is already in place which would speed up the process for anyone looking to install such a system.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Len Taylor (City Staff) | len.taylor@fergusfallsmn.gov | 218-332-5418
Partners:
Kasson -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2021
Implementation details:
In July 2021 the City of Kasson adopted ordinances outlining the installation of solar systems including solar farms and roof-mounted systems. See City ordinances: ORDINANCE REGARDING SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS AND RELATED ZONING STANDARDS
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Nancy Zaworski (City staff) | financedept@cityofkasson.com | 507-634-6321
Partners:
New Hope -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
On April 22, 2019, the New Hope City Council approved a request for a text amendment to the City Code establishing solar energy system regulations. Ordinance 19-01 establishes regulations and a review process for roof-mounted and ground-mounted solar energy systems in City Code §4-3(n).
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
In 2019, the City Council approved a request for a text amendment to the City Code establishing solar energy system regulations.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jeff Alger (City Staff) | jalger@newhopemn.gov | 763-531-5119
Partners:
Robbinsdale -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2023
Implementation details:
Adopted in May of 2023, Ordinance no. 23-08 makes solar energy devices an accessory use on principal and accessory structures and in rear yards and creates an exception to height limitations.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Kayla Kirtz (City Staff) | kkirtz@ci.robbinsdale.mn.us | 763-233-5654
Partners:
Saint Peter -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2022
Implementation details:
Distributed energy resource and net metering policy
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.saintpetermn.gov/228/Distributed-Energy-Resources-Solar-Panel
For more information contact:
Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
Partners: Saint Peter Electric Utility
Scandia -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
The City has enacted an ordinance to regulate solar energy systems that are accessory to the primary use of the property. The ordinance provides for a building permit review process for systems smaller than 800 s.f. in area. Systems that are larger in size will still be required to seek a conditional use permit.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links: Solar Energy Systems as accessory use
For more information contact:
Neil Soltis (City staff) | n.soltis@ci.scandia.mn.us | 651-433-2274
Partners:
Shakopee -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
In all of the City's residential, business, and industrial districts solar equipment is defined as an accessory use that is allowed outright.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://shakopee.municipalcodeonline.com/book?type=ordinances#name=151.007_General_Regulations
For more information contact:
PeggySue Imihy (City Staff) | info@shakopeemn.gov | 952-233-9300
Partners:
Two Harbors -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
In February 2020, the City of Two Harbors adopted two resolutions:
RESOLUTION NO. 2-65-20 APPROVING THE UPDATED COGENERATION AND SMALL POWER PRODUCTION TARIFF FOR THE TWO HARBORS ELECTRICAL DEPARTMENT.
24. RESOLUTION NO. 2-66-20 ADOPTING THE TWO HARBORS ELECTRICAL DEPARTMENT’S POLICY REGARDING DISTRIBUTED ENERGY RESOURCES AND NET METERING AND RULES GOVERNING THE INTERCONNECTION OF COGENERATION AND SMALL POWER PRODUCTION FACILITIES.
RESOLUTION NO. 2-65-20 APPROVING THE UPDATED COGENERATION AND SMALL POWER PRODUCTION TARIFF FOR THE TWO HARBORS ELECTRICAL DEPARTMENT.
24. RESOLUTION NO. 2-66-20 ADOPTING THE TWO HARBORS ELECTRICAL DEPARTMENT’S POLICY REGARDING DISTRIBUTED ENERGY RESOURCES AND NET METERING AND RULES GOVERNING THE INTERCONNECTION OF COGENERATION AND SMALL POWER PRODUCTION FACILITIES.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jennifer Sterbenz (City Staff) | jsterbenz@twoharborsmn.gov | 218-834-8804
Partners:
Wyoming -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2015
Implementation details:
City Ordinance 2015-03 sets zoning rules to encourage the use and development of renewable energy systems that enhance energy conservation efforts and supports the use of solar energy collection systems.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Kelly Dumais (City Staff) | kdumais@wyomingmn.org | 651-440-1888
Partners:
Greenstep Advisor
Melissa Birch, Co-Director, Clean Energy Resource Teams: 218/866-2338, pawl0048@umn.edu, www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org