Going solar now easier, cheaper
Boynton Beach has made it faster, easier and more affordable for residents and business owners to go solar.
And the city has been awarded for its work.
The city has achieved Sol Smart Gold, a designation for advancing solar energy growth. Rebecca Harvey, the city’s sustainability coordinator, has led the effort.
Sol Smart, which started in 2016, is led by the Solar Foundation and the International City/County Management Association. It’s funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office.
More than 180 cities, towns and counties have achieved Sol Smart designation across the country. Statewide, Boynton is one of five cities to receive gold, which is the highest level, according to the program’s website. Boynton joins West Palm Beach, Lantana, Satellite Beach and Orlando.
“I’m very proud of it,” Harvey said.
But there’s more to be done, she said.
“Look around the city, you don’t see a lot of solar. I see this as a necessary first step, and now is the time to start promoting it,” she said.
The Sol Smart designation is one success in Harvey’s ongoing work to have the city become greener.
Also, the city has committed to the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy. By the end of the first year of signing on, Boynton has to conduct a greenhouse gas emissions inventory. The city already has done that but will need to revise it to fit this. By year two, the city will have to develop targets for reducing greenhouse gas. By year three, the city will have to develop a reduction plan and develop a climate adaptation plan.
And the city has two upcoming workshops: Green Energy Workshop on March 28 and the Water Conservation Workshop on April 25. Both are from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Intracoastal Park Clubhouse, 2240 N. Federal Highway.
To reach the Sol Smart designation, Boynton had to make a few changes to reduce the time and money it takes for someone to install a solar energy system. The city was then evaluated and received 260 points. At least 200 were needed to achieve the gold designation, according to the city.
Changes include:
■ Having the permitting process take three days or less for 10 kilowatts or less.
■ Ensure that accessory solar use is allowed in all areas of the city. Accessory solar use could be a solar rooftop on a home.
■ Had city inspectors and permitting staff complete an online training of how to properly inspect and permit solar PV (photovoltaic) systems that generate electricity.
■ The city now has a solar energy page on its website.
■ The city offers financing through the Property Assessed Clean Energy program.
Also, the city received points for installing solar on Fire Station 5’s roof. Harvey said it reduces the energy bill by about $130 per month.