Longmont Power & Communications has gone for the gold with solar power

Longmont Power and Communications has earned recognition for streamlining a path to solar power in the city — Longmont’s renewable energy is SolSmart Gold.

Founded in 2016, SolSmart is a national recognition and designation program for communities like Longmont that show a commitment to promoting and increasing accessibility to renewable solar energy. Criteria for a SolSmart designation include ease and transparency in the permitting and inspection process, planning and zoning regulations conducive to solar power, engagement from local government and the community at large, as well as incentivizing solar power to a developing market.

“SolSmart awards are all about the customer — how easily can they plug into solar energy if they decide to do so?” said LPC Executive Director Dave Hornbacher. “We’re glad to give our community a simple, friendly way to pursue renewable energy and we’re honored to have those efforts recognized.”

Longmont’s SolSmart Gold recognition comes after the city earned Bronze in 2017 and Silver in 2020. In order to earn the Gold designation, the city needed a streamlined solar permit review and approval process and clear language for zoning ordinances which allow of solar power in all areas.

“(SolSmart) is a way of making it known to the general public that Longmont is a good place to do solar business. There are a lot of people that may not be aware of the various steps we’ve taken to make it easier,” said LPC Public Relations Specialist Scott Rochat. “I think the more people who are aware that we want to make this easy for them, the more people will come forward and do it.”

Longmont’s municipally-owned electric utility has around 500 solar customers, both commercial and residential. The city utilizes the Efficiency Works program, a collaboration between LPC and other regional power utilities, to improve energy-use efficiency. Rebates are also offered to install solar power on a property. According to Rochat, the number of residents and business owners pursuing solar permits has doubled in the past three years.

Another factor contributing to Longmont’s SolSmart designation is the presentation and ease of access to information about solar energy. The city website for solar energy includes simple guides for installation, permit applications, financing options and incentives, along with clear explanations of how solar panels function and a detailed list of frequently asked questions. 

For solar customers, LPC offers a net metering program that allows the customer to sell excess energy produced by the solar panels and buy energy from LPC when the solar panels aren’t drawing in power. Energy efficient properties on the net metering program can even earn billing credits when monthly power consumption is less than the solar power produced over the course of a month.

“There are a lot of good opportunities for people to pursue solar energy in Longmont and we’re happy to help make it easy for them,” Rochat said.

Longmont City Council will honor the recognition at the Nov. 16 council meeting.