Miami Beach’s Solar Energy Initiatives Shine Bright

(Miami Beach, FL) May 9, 2019 -

– The City of Miami Beach recently received a gold designation from SolSmart, marking the highest rating for a community in the national program. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office, SolSmart recognizes communities that have taken key steps toward addressing local barriers to solar energy by making it faster, cheaper and easier to go solar.

“Since 2017, our city staff has made significant strides in easing the process for residents and businesses to pursue solar energy,” noted City Manager Jimmy L. Morales. “I’m proud to see how far we’ve come and will continue to go. The future of solar in Miami Beach is a bright one.”

In 2017, the city was awarded the bronze designation. Since then, the city has made significant strides in further solar development in Miami Beach by streamlining the process for residents and businesses to make the switch and reducing the time and costs associated.

In addition to reducing the time and cost associated with adopting solar systems, the city was applauded for creating a dedicated webpage with information on the city’s solar incentives; passing the Urban Heat Island ordinance requiring that new construction install sustainable roofing systems, including the option of solar roofs; and conducting extended staff training on solar technology, permitting and planning review best practices.

Additionally, the city earned a Special Recognition Award in the Permitting criteria category for its expedited one-day walk-through solar permitting review process.

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