The Town of Frisco has received a Silver designation from the national SolSmart program for promoting solar energy growth and removing obstacles to solar development. To receive this designation, cities and counties must make changes to their local processes in order to reduce the time and money it takes to install a solar energy system. These changes encourage solar companies to do business in the area, driving economic development, and creating local jobs
“The SolSmart designation shows that Frisco is streamlining the process to purchase and install solar panels, while keeping costs down for homeowners. This allows more local homes and businesses to obtain affordable, clean, and reliable electricity through solar,” stated Hilary Sueoka, Town of Frisco environmental programs coordinator.
SolSmart uses objective criteria to award points to communities based on the actions that they take to reduce barriers to solar energy development. Communities that take sufficient action are designated either gold, silver, or bronze. Actions include evaluating local permitting processes, as well as planning and zoning procedures, providing resources and information to the community about solar energy, and supporting a community-wide solar purchase program, such as Solarize Summit.
SolSmart builds upon the Town’s collaboration with the High Country Conservation Center, which has resulted in the creation of home and commercial energy efficiency programs, a community Energy Action Plan, and a Climate Action plan. The Town of Frisco’s partnerships with High Country Conservation Center and SolSmart support the Frisco Town Council’s sustainability priorities as part of their 2020-2021 Strategic Plan.
The SolSmart program is led by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), and is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office. More than 400 cities, counties, and small towns have achieved SolSmart designation since the program launched in 2016.
Visit our Solar Initiatives page to learn more about going solar in Frisco and Summit County.