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The city hopes the technical help [from SolSmart] will allow Columbia to expand its solar power initiative and bring in new jobs. The city has seen a 55 percent increase in solar power usage since it began its initiative, with a total of around 90 businesses and homes in Columbia now using solar power."Connie Kacprowicz, spokesperson for the city of Columbia
SolSmart Criteria
Program Highlights
SolSmart Criteria
Created an online permitting checklist, increasing transparency for community members and solar installers
Reviewed local zoning codes and identified restrictions that intentionally or unintentionally prohibit solar PV development
Allowed solar by-right accessory use in all zones (so solar installations don’t require special permits or hearings)
Cross-trained both inspection and permitting staff on solar PV
Provided a streamlined permitting pathway for small PV systems
Program Highlights
Installed solar on local facilities, including a 2 kW array on The Columbia Area Career Center
Hosted solar workshops to inform the Columbia community about the benefits of solar
Established partnerships with local non-profits on solar. For example, the city supported Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to build Columbia’s first solar-powered “net-zero” home
Columbia Water and Light’s rebate program pays customers whose solar panels contribute to the grid.