Solar

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Getting started with solar

This webpage represents a collection of solar resources. The City is a Department of Energy Solsmart Gold Award winner for being a solar friendly community. The City's goals can be found on its Solar Statement. In several places below, a Solar Brochure has been referenced. It lists many resources all in one place. The City has also prepared solar ready guidance strategies on its net-zero energy building page.

Solar Benefits

Solar energy comes from a renewable energy source – the sun – and provides many benefits for individuals and the community. Using solar energy for power improves the environmental by reducing carbon emissions and air pollution, supports clean energy jobs, saves money on energy costs, and adds electric grid resiliency.

Ordinance, Permitting & Process

The solar brochure listed above contains ordinance details. Application forms and current fees can be found on the Inspections Division's webpage. Check with your electric utility on what they require for interconnection.

Solar Maps

Investigate your property’s rooftop solar potential by checking out Project Sunroof.

Find a Contractor

Find a solar contractor (or two) to assess your home for solar energy and provide a bid. Certified practitioners can be found through NABCEP. The Solar Energy Industries Association's site also provides a map of area contractors.

Financing, Incentives & Tax Exemptions

Typically solar installations are paid for through loans or cash, with Federal and State incentives available. See the brochure and Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) for additional information.

Solar Rights & Procedure

The State Statute concerns your solar rights. The onus is on you, the property owner. An approved permit represents notice.

Historic Properties/Districts Guidance

If a property is landmarked or within a historic district, contact us at 715-839-4914 for advice. Guidance on solar installations can be found here- see specifically pages 14-15.

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