DeKalb County Earns SolSmart Bronze Designation

DECATUR, Ga. – DeKalb County has earned the SolSmart Bronze designation for efforts that make it easy for homes and businesses to go solar.

In 2017, the DeKalb County Planning and Sustainability Department introduced a streamlined commercial and residential solar permit process that helps residents and business owners complete solar projects faster. The expedited review process is typically completed within three days and signifies that the county is open for solar business. 

In addition to creating a streamlined permit process, the county was recognized for hosting a solar workshop and creating a webpage that offers information about the solar program.

“The SolSmart designation will help DeKalb County’s solar energy efforts grow,” said Billy Malone, DeKalb County environmental energy manager. “Lusenii Watson, SolSmart advisor, was instrumental in helping DeKalb County define solar energy development goals and identify strategies to promote local resources that will benefit both residents and businesses.”

The SolSmart designation team awards communities points based on the actions they take to reduce barriers to solar energy development. Based on the number of points received, communities are designated either gold, silver or bronze. Cities and counties receiving a silver or bronze designation have the opportunity to increase point total and move up to the gold tier in the future.

The DeKalb County Planning and Sustainability Department will receive the SolSmart Bronze Award at the 82nd Annual NACo Conference and Exposition, July 21-24, in Franklin County, Ohio. For more information about DeKalb County’s solar program, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/planning-and-sustainability/solar-program. 

SolSmart is a national designation and technical assistance program that recognizes leading solar communities and empowers additional communities to expand local solar markets. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative, SolSmart strives to cut red tape, drive greater solar deployment and make it possible for even more American homes and businesses to access solar energy to meet electricity needs. Learn more at www.SolSmart.org.

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