SolSmart Bronze Designation

The City of Evansville has earned SolSmart Bronze designation in recognition of its commitment to making solar energy more accessible for residents and businesses.

SolSmart is a national program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy that recognizes communities implementing best practices to encourage the safe, efficient, and affordable adoption of solar energy. Through SolSmart, local governments receive technical assistance to improve policies, permitting processes, and public resources that make it easier to invest in solar energy.

By achieving Bronze designation, Evansville has demonstrated its commitment to reducing barriers to solar development while supporting economic growth, energy resilience, and a cleaner environment.

Why Solar?

Solar energy is one of the fastest-growing sources of renewable electricity in the United States. Whether installed on a home, business, school, or municipal building, solar can provide long-term environmental and economic benefits to our community.

Benefits of solar energy include:

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving local air quality

• Lowering electricity costs over time

• Increasing energy independence and resilience

• Supporting local jobs and economic development

• Diversifying Evansville's energy portfolio with clean, renewable power

As Evansville continues working toward its sustainability and climate goals, expanding access to solar energy will help create a healthier, more resilient community for future generations.

What Does SolSmart Mean for Evansville?

Earning SolSmart Bronze designation means the City has taken meaningful steps to improve the experience of installing solar energy systems.

Residents, businesses, and solar contractors can benefit from:

• A more streamlined and transparent solar permitting process

• Reduced administrative barriers for rooftop solar projects

• Improved access to information about local solar requirements

• Continued support for responsible renewable energy development

These improvements help reduce the time and complexity associated with installing solar, making clean energy a more accessible option throughout our community.

Looking Ahead

Achieving Bronze designation is an important milestone, but it is only the beginning.

The Evansville Climate Collaborative will continue working with City departments and community partners to pursue higher levels of SolSmart designation while identifying additional opportunities to expand renewable energy, improve local permitting processes, and support sustainable economic growth throughout Evansville.

Whether you're considering solar for your home or business, or simply want to learn more about renewable energy opportunities, we're excited to help make clean energy more accessible for everyone.