News
The city of Jordan, Minnesota, has shown a long-term commitment to expanding access to solar energy in the community, earning Bronze designation in 2018, Silver designation in 2021, and most recently SolSmart Gold designation in 2023. Jordan has updated their permitting, inspection, and zoning, provided public incentives and pathways to solar installation such as PACE financing and a Solarize campaign, and more.
- 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
- Provided a streamlined permitting pathway for small PV systems
- Confirmed 3-day permitting turnaround time for solar PV
- Updated various local zoning codes, removing barriers to solar PV installations
- Posted online resources about consumer protection, solar installers, data, and other updates on the city’s website
- Supported a community-wide group purchase program (e.g., Solarize)
- Provided a PACE financing program that included solar PV as an eligible technology
