The Town of Parker will officially be recognized as a Solar Friendly Community at the Town Council meeting on Monday, Oct. 21. The Town earned the accreditation by adopting best practices in solar permitting, which eases the permitting process for those looking to install solar panels. The Town will be presented a road sign and plaque for the official recognition at Monday night’s meeting.
Out of the 10 communities in Colorado that have been recognized as a Solar Friendly Community, Parker is the first in the south metro area. This exciting certification will grant Parker residents eligibility for a $500 discount with participating installers as part of the Solar Friendly Communities Discount Program.
“As a progressive community always looking to better practices and services for our citizens, Parker is delighted to accept this recognition,” commented Mayor Mike Waid.
While the costs of solar panels have dropped dramatically in recent years, the “soft costs’’ of solar such as permitting and inspection now account for roughly half of the total price. By adopting policies that cut the time required to get rooftop solar systems installed, Parker is helping to cut the cost of the systems and making solar more affordable. With interest in solar growing, the streamlined processes will also help the Town prepare for greater solar energy demand.
“As solar grows more affordable and more popular, we are pleased that Parker is getting ahead of the curve with these streamlined permit practices,’’ said Rebecca Cantwell, senior program director for Solar Friendly Communities. “The recognition demonstrates that Parker is working to make it faster, easier and more affordable for citizens to go solar.’’
Solar Friendly Communities is led by the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association in partnership with Boulder County, along with the City and County of Denver, Fort Collins, Golden, Rocky Mountain Institute and the American Solar Energy Society.