The City of Eugene is one of ten participating jurisdictions in the Pacific Northwest Solar Partnership proposal that was awarded funding through the US Department of Energy’s ‘Rooftop Solar Challenge II’ grant program. The initiative seeks to make it easier and more affordable for Americans to go solar by streamlining the permit processes, updating planning and zoning codes, improving standards for connecting solar power to the electric grid, and increasing access to financing.
“With local governments leading the way, the Pacific Northwest Solar Partnership will provide an example of how a region with low electric prices and seasonal solar resource can accelerate solar installations,” said Jennifer Grove from Northwest SEED, a regional non-profit that is leading the team for the grant awardee, the Washington State Department of Commerce.
Over the past several years the City of Eugene has already:
• streamlined its permit process for solar installations,
• offered permitting incentives and promotional support for Solarize Eugene,
• promoted renewable energy through the Green Building Incentive Program, and
• highlighted local projects with solar installations through the Green Homes Tour.
The City of Eugene will receive $10,500 from the $2 million federal grant, to share these successes and help replicate programs across other jurisdictions in Oregon and Washington.