LONGMONT, CO – Things keep getting sunnier for Longmont’s efforts to encourage solar energy, which have now received a SolSmart Silver designation. The award will be presented at the Nov. 17 City Council meeting.

SolSmart communities have been recognized for their work in reducing the “soft costs” of installing a solar energy system, such as permitting, financing, and other non-hardware expenses. Longmont became a SolSmart Bronze community in 2017 after streamlining the application process for a solar installation permit and offering an online permit option; the silver designation came after the City underwent additional training in solar site inspection and permit processes.

“Our first goal has always been to serve our community’s needs,” Longmont Power & Communications Executive Director David Hornbacher said. “We’re glad to help those who want to ‘go solar’ by making the process as simple and friendly as we can.”

About 400 of LPC’s electric customers have solar systems, most of them residential. The community-owned utility draws nearly half of its own power from renewable sources, which will soon include the 22 megawatt Rawhide Prairie Solar site being built for Platte River Power Authority. Platte River –which is co-owned by the cities of Longmont, Loveland, Estes Park and Fort Collins – has plans to add another 150 MW of solar energy to its portfolio by 2023.

Hornbacher also thanked Tim Ellis of LPC, Blas Hernandez of the Building Services Department, and assistant city manager Joni Marsh for their instrumental roles in helping Longmont receive this recognition.

Representatives from LPC and from Building Services will accept the award. The Council meeting begins at 7 p.m. and will be held on Zoom; login instructions can be found on the City’s website.

The SolSmart program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative and was launched in April 2016 to indicate communities that are “open for solar business.” As a silver designee, Longmont can take additional steps to earn points toward a gold designation.