Solar Development Planning in SOPEC Communities

From Purchasing Clean Energy to Building Local Solar Power

Since its inception, SOPEC has been a leader in building local power to support the sustainable energy goals of its member communities. Further, SOPEC has grown its administrative, legal, and programmatic capabilities to ensure its communities have the tools they need to make a positive impact on the electricity market through Community Choice Aggregation (CCA). Historically, CCA programs have focused solely on procuring the lowest rate possible. SOPEC was born to be different and has continued to create out-of-the-box solutions that expand the purpose and power of CCA programming.

For years, SOPEC has focused on voluntarily purchasing clean energy at competitive rates for the residential and small commercial utility customers enrolled in the opt-out SOPEC Electric Aggregation Program. This foundation creates demand signals across the market for more clean energy resources. Building upon this foundation, SOPEC now looks to support the development of locally-sited and -owned solar power systems that can save taxpayer money, support overall grid resilience, and encourage the usage of local clean energy that goes beyond its dedication to REC-based green power procurement. Solar power is a promising clean energy resource for SOPEC communities as it is the most accessible, affordable, and impactful source of renewable energy.

SOPEC has organized a program to build on-site solar power for its public members — local governments, governmental agencies, and non-profits. We are now requesting competitive proposals from solar developers to bundle a variety of behind-the-meter solar arrays into a unified power purchase agreement (PPA) that will serve public members with on-site local renewable energy generation, with an option to purchase the solar arrays after the PPA term. The goal is to build solar power that will provide more price stability and certainty amid rising electricity costs. To submit a proposal, email us.

Jumpstart to SolSmart Bronze

To help all SOPEC communities reach SolSmart Bronze (at a minimum), we have prepared a guide to jumpstart solar development planning, collectively. The Excel document embedded below is an effective tool to track progress toward all SolSmart designations. To reach SolSmart Bronze, each community must write their own Solar Statement (PR-1), create an online permitting checklist (Solar Guide — PI-1) for homeowners and small businesses looking to install small solar PV systems, and write a memo (Solar Memo — PZ-1) that provides an overview of municipal zoning requirements, in regards to adding solar PV systems on buildings and land, and identifies restrictions that intentionally or unintentionally prohibit solar PV development. By posting all 3 prerequisites on the local government’s website, obtaining 20 points for both the Permitting and Inspection and Planning and Zoning categories, and having a total of 60 points verified through innovative governmental operations, community engagements, and market developments, communities will reach SolSmart Bronze!

Some examples of Solar Memo considerations include: height restrictions, set-back requirements, screening requirements, visibility restrictions, etc.