The purpose of this policy is to help define appropriate locations for solar energy systems, to ensure compatibility with surrounding uses, and to promote safe and effective use of solar energy to increase opportunities for renewable energy generation.

In general, solar energy systems are allowed in all zoning districts. Solar energy system must comply with the minimum yard requirements of the district where they are located. Screening of solar energy systems is not required. All lots in subdivisions of forty (40) acres or more shall be platted in an orientation to maximize solar exposure.

For building-mounted solar energy systems, the

In proposed subdivisions where a building configuration has been developed solar access easements shall be designed to protect solar access to proposed south roof and south wall areas and any proposed site for a solar energy system. For those subdivisions that have not been developed, solar access to the southernmost boundary of the buildable portion of a lot shall be protected. In establishing the dimensions of a solar access easement, specific considerations must be made.

In cases where a building configuration is not able to reasonably protect solar access to a proposed south facing element, the advisory agency may require

The intent of Solar Access for Subdivision Development (Part 9) is to implement and enforce the requirements of the California Solar Rights Act, that the design of all subdivisions for which a tentative map is required shall utilize natural heating and cooling opportunities to the maximum extent feasible and that the dedication of solar easements may be required as a condition of tentative map approval for new parcels in order to protect solar access. It is intended that the provisions of this part shall prevail over any other provisions of this Ordinance Code which may conflict with any of these

City of Fresno requires that the design of any new city-owned building containing at least 7500 square feet shall include an alternative design for installation of a solar energy system.

The report to Council for each award of a contract for a new city-owned building shall include information related to compliance with this section every other year.

Each of the following is exempt from application of this section:

· A building for which the design is 30% or more complete on or before the effective date of this section.

· A building for which another renewable energy source(s) is available

H.B. 8354, enacted on July 2016, included a provision exempting qualifying renewable energy systems and associated equipment used in residential and manufacturing sector from property taxes throughout the state. Eligible renewable energy resources include direct solar radiation, wind, ocean, geothermal, small hydro, eligible biomass fuels, and fuel cells using renewable resources. 

Renewable energy equipment used in commercial facilities is not included in the exemption. However, legislation amended R.I. Gen Law §44-3-9 adding renewable energy equipment to qualify for tax stabilization, which may apply to commercial facilities. This authorizes local governments in Rhode Island to provide tax stabilization agreements for renewable

In 2010, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which has authority over mortgage underwriters Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, directed these enterprises against purchasing mortgages of homes with a PACE lien due to its senior status above a mortgage. Most residential PACE activities subsided following this directive; however, some residential PACE programs are now operating with loan loss reserve funds, appropriate disclosures, or other protections meant to address FHFA's concerns. Commercial PACE programs were not directly affected by FHFA’s actions, as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac do not underwrite commercial mortgages. Visit PACENation.org for more information about PACE financing and

The VirginiaSAVES Green Community Program provides low cost financing to private commercial and industrial, non-profits, and local governments to fund a wide range of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in the State. The program works with third-party funding sources to provide financing for projects. Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECB) are issued on a conduit basis by the Virginia Small Business Finance Authority for private borrowers and the Virginia Resource Authority for public borrowers. The program is administered by CleanSource Capital, LLC under the guidance of Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy (DMME).

Interested applicants must submit a summary worksheet

In June 2008, the City Council of the City of El Paso enacted the Sustainable Design Standards for City Buildings policy (see Ordinance 16911, updated in July 2012 in this resolution). All new City buildings over 5,000 square feet in size are required to be designed, contracted, and built to achieve the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification level and strive for a higher level of certification (gold or platinum) when possible. Future major renovations and non-occupied City buildings will also be designed, contracted, and built to include as many principles

In March 2011, the City Council of Kansas City adopted a policy that the design, construction, and operation of new facilities of any size and renovations in which the facility affected has at least 5,000 square feet of space must conform to the Gold Rating or higher of the most recent version of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System.

Each contract for applicable projects must contain provisions sufficient to require the designer and constructor to comply with the LEED Gold Standard at a minimum and submit documentation to USGBC

H.B 8200 enacted in June, 2014 requires all ancillary non-electrical renewable energy work such as advertising, distribution and installation be performed by a person, firm or corporation holding a Renewable Energy Professional (REP) Certificate . All the renewable energy electrical work, including installation, connecting, testing, mounting of modules and inverters are to be performed by a licensed electrician.  Except for electrical work, the contractors require REP certification for installation, mechanical fastening and conjoining of listed solar sheathing system that are 10 kW or less. REP certification is also required for to any person, firm or corporation who is engaged in