Elgin, IL

In Illinois and nationwide, SolSmart-designated communities are opening up solar markets and encouraging a dramatic expansion of solar energy.

• Created an online permitting checklist, increasing transparency for community members and solar installers.
• Reviewed local zoning codes and identified restrictions that intentionally or unintentionally prohibit solar PV development.
• Allowed solar by-right accessory use in all zones (so solar installations don’t require special permits or hearings).
• Cross-trained both inspection and permitting staff on solar PV.
• Posted online resources regarding state-level solar policies and incentives, financing opportunities, community solar goals, consumer protection, and more.
• Installed solar-plus-storage on government-owned facilities and land.
• Supported a community-wide group purchase program (e.g. Solarize).
• Demonstrated activity in state regulatory and/or legislative proceedings regarding solar PV.
• Demonstrated that residential permit fees for solar PV are $500 or less.
• Required no more than one permit application form for a small rooftop solar PV system, and confirmed a three-business day turnaround time for residential rooftop solar PV.
• Completed comprehensive update of zoning to ensure that solar is allowed by right in all major zones.

Elgin, Illinois earned the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus (MMC) EV-Ready Bronze designation in 2024 for their work to increase access to EV charging infrastructure and remove barriers to EV growth. That included updates to permitting and inspection practices, safety training for staff, zoning updates, and more. MMC’s EV-Ready program is a partner of Charging Smart.