The U.S. Department of Energy named Atlanta as a SolSmart Gold designee because of its actions to attract solar business and solar industry investment, as well as generate economic development and local jobs. SolSmart is a national designation and technical assistance program that recognizes leading solar communities and empowers additional communities to expand their local solar markets.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative, SolSmart aims to cut red tape, drive greater solar deployment and make it possible for more American homes and businesses to access solar energy. Through the SunShot Initative, the Energy Department supports efforts by private companies, universities and national laboratories to drive down the cost of solar electricity.
To achieve designation, the city took steps to reduce costs associated with solar planning and zoning, permitting, financing, customer acquisition and installation labor. These costs represent nearly two-thirds of the total price of an installed residential system and reducing such expenses leads to savings to consumers.
Recently, the city also launched the “Solar for All” initiative to provide solar power as an alternative energy source for the community of Atlanta.
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