WESTMINSTER - The City of Westminster has been certified as a Platinum Level Solar Friendly Community, making it the first community in Colorado to achieve the Platinum designation from the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association.
"Westminster has worked hard to implement many solar-friendly policies such as allowing permits to be submitted electronically, instituting low permit fees and only requiring a final inspection for standard rooftop solar energy systems,"' Rebecca Cantwell, executive director of the COSEIA, said. "We hope this recognition makes it faster, easier and more affordable for Westminster residents to go solar."'
Recent studies show more than half the cost of a typical rooftop solar system comes from elements other than the panels - so called "soft costs" - including the local permitting process. Streamlining local approvals is a way to drive down the cost of solar.
A key benefit of the solar friendly certification is there are more than 16 Colorado solar companies that offer a $500 discount on standard residential solar systems installed in Solar Friendly Communities.
Three communities - Denver, Fort Collins and Lafayette - achieved the Gold-level designation.
The Westminster City Council will receive a road sign and a plaque during a ceremony at the Aug. 11 City Council meeting.
(KUSA-TV © 2014 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)
