Buena Vista Charter Township, MI

Buena Vista Charter Township, Michigan earned SolSmart Bronze in 2024 by embracing a number of initiatives designed to make solar energy easier to access and more affordable for residents. That included posting materials about solar financial resources and incentives, standardizing permitting and inspection practices, and more!

• Posted online resources about residential and commercial solar PV financing options and incentives
• Posted online resources about solar installers and/or solar quote platforms for solar PV.
• Posted a solar landing page on local government’s website with information that may include the community’s solar goals, educational materials and tools that promote solar
• Posted an online checklist detailing the required permit(s), submittals, and steps of your community’s permitting process for residential rooftop solar PV
• Adopted a standard solar PV permit application form aligned with best practices
• Posted an online checklist detailing the required permit(s), submittals, and steps of your community’s permitting process for primary use ground-mount solar and include any additional state required permits
• Posted solar PV inspection requirements online, including the inspection process and what details inspectors will review
• Codified in the zoning ordinance that accessory use rooftop solar PV is explicitly allowed by-right in all major zones.
• Ensured the zoning ordinance permits small ground-mounted solar PV as an accessory use in at least one zoning district
• Ensured the zoning ordinance establishes a clear regulatory pathway for large-scale solar PV
• Ensured the zoning ordinance includes a native perennial vegetation and/or habitat-friendly ground cover requirement or standard for large-scale solar PV.
• Reviewed zoning requirements and identify restrictions that intentionally or unintentionally prohibit solar PV development
• Ensured the zoning ordinance requires a decommissioning plan that outlines the terms and conditions for a large-scale solar PV systems proper removal at the end of its useful life cycle or in the event of cessation of operation