U.S. Virgin Islands, VI

As the first U.S territory to achieve SolSmart designation, the U.S. Virgin Islands developed and implemented a streamlined, web-based distributed solar generation permitting portal. In 2020, the Virgin Islands Energy Office secured funding to develop a solar-plus-storage microgrid pilot project at the St Croix Educational Complex’s emergency shelter, and expects to replicate this project as a resiliency standard at other critical government facilities.

• 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