The Village of Northbrook Designated “SolSmart Silver”

We are proud that Village of Northbrook is receiving the distinction of SolSmart  Silver for making solar projects faster, easier, and more affordable for homes and businesses thus driving economic development and sustainability.

For several years, the Village has been encouraging solar energy growth by removing obstacles to solar development, and the SolSmart Silver designation signals that the Village of Northbrook is “open for solar business” for companies looking to expand, helping solar companies reduce the cost of installations, and pass those savings on to consumers. This allows even more local homes and businesses to obtain affordable, clean, and reliable electricity through solar. 

SolSmart is a program of The Solar Foundation and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office. 

“The Village treats environmental sustainability as a priority, and designations such as SolSmart Silver are concrete examples of how the Village works to improve access to clean, renewable energy for its residents”, says Charmaine John, the Greenest Region Corps Member for the Village.

The Village is removing permit and zoning code barriers to benefit residential and commercial solar installations. For instance, Solar Permit processing time will not exceed 10 days, residential and small commercial solar fees are capped fairly, and inspections for residential and small commercial solar installations only require a final inspection.

SolSmart awards points based on actions that reduce barriers to solar energy development, and communities are designated gold, silver, or bronze based on points earned.  Learn more at SolSmart.org.

Congratulations Village of Northbrook!