Ypsi seeks to expand access to solar power through Department of Energy challenge
Second Wave Media
Ypsilanti – Leading Solar In Michigan
Located about 38 miles east of Detroit, Ypsilanti, Michigan, is famous for “Rosie the Riveter” building B24 bombers for World War II and the city’s parts suppliers feeding the automotive industry. Today, as a post-industrial city, Ypsilanti is revitalizing its economy by becoming a solar destination. In April 2017, Ypsilanti earned a SolSmart Gold award, signaling to solar companies that the city is “open for solar business.”
- 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
Ypsilanti is proud of our work in creating a solar friendly environment. In 2017 the City of Ypsilanti was given a SolSmart Gold designation from the Solar Foundation, which has highlighted our solar progress going from zero to over 1.2MW of solar power in the past 14 years. Being the first SolSmart award in Michigan helps us continue our mission of a 1000 solar roofs and bringing solar power to non-profits and low income people.
– Beth C Bashert, Mayor of Ypsilanti
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