Gunnison County, CO
This webpage has been created to help improve local solar market conditions and share the latest industry information to residents and stakeholders in Gunnison County. Below you will find key solar market indicators and essential resources for residents, businesses, solar industry and government officials. There is also a direct link to the County's interactive policy roadmap designed to increase local solar installations by making it easier and more cost-effective to ‘go solar’.
Gunnison County is located in the southwestern region of Colorado. The County is situated in an excellent area for solar due its above average solar energy resource.
Community Profile
Residential Solar Potential
Upgrade to LEADER plan to display your community's solar potential.Roadmap
The Solar Roadmap team has worked in close coordination with the County to develop a customized, interactive solar roadmap containing guidance on how to transform the local solar market. Each recommendation in the roadmap is supported with relevant reports, case studies, examples, and templates to support local and regional implementation efforts.
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2 of 3 Goals Achieved |
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Permitting Process[P5] Post Permit and Inspection Process Information and Fee Schedules Online(80)
No solar specific information online
Post information on the solar permitting and inspection process online in an easily accessible location. This should include the process flow, timelines, fees, point of contact, and any other pertinent information.
[P7] Base Residential Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(85)
No fee is currently assessed
The County does not review solar permits and does not assess fees for solar projects.
County currently at best practice
[P8] Base Commercial Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(55)
No fee is currently assessed
The County does not review solar permits and does not assess fees for solar projects
County currently at best practice
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1 of 5 Goals Achieved |
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[Z2] Promote Solar Ready Construction via Ordinances or Building Codes(15)
No solar specific ordinaces for construction
Explore creation of municipal ordinances which require new homes and buildings to be built solar-ready
[Z3] Require Solar on New Construction(4)
No solar specific mandates for new construction
Explore implementing solar mandates for new construction for all buildings or a segment of the new building stock
[Z4] Incorporate Solar Priorities into Comprehensive or Energy Action Plans(66)
No general plan in place for County, corridor plan only. No solar specific provisions.
Consider adoption of solar specific language in corridor plan in regards to standards for new construction and solar access during the next update cycle. See resources herein for examples of construction standards for solar-ready homes that do not significantly impact construction cost.
[Z5] Update Zoning Standards and Review for Solar Installations(92)
Not specifically addressed in current regulations
Consider adoption of zoning codes that have solar specific guidance. See case studies herein for examples of solar specific design review standards and solar specific use types in land use tables.
[Z7] Limit Impact of Restrictive Private Covenants(81)
No ordinances creating a barrier to solar
The County does not have ordinances which create a barrier to solar.
County currently at best practice
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0 of 2 Goals Not Started |
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[F6] Encourage Local Financial Stakeholders to Establish New Solar Loan Programs(63)
Some awareness of finance options now. PACE and community solar have been considered.
Explore solar financing options and resources available in the region and provide information via webinars and marketing materials to increase visibility and understanding by residents, businesses, industry stakeholders and installers.
[F7] Promote Availability of Existing Solar Finance Options and Evaluation Tools(38)
Minimal awareness of these tools now
Provide online tools for potential solar system buyers to evaluate and value solar projects for their homes and businesses.
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0 of 6 Goals Not Started |
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[M1] Support Aggregate Procurement Program for Residential Sector(40)
No similar aggregations known to exist locally
Support the creation of a working group of community leaders and funding providers. This group would evaluate options and determine the most viable approach for aggregating residential solar based on best practices to date.
[M2] Support Aggregate Procurement Program for Commercial Sector(6)
No similar aggregations known to exist locally
Support the creation of a working group of businesses and property owners to aggregate their facilities and buying power for solar evaluation and procurement to decrease energy costs while demonstrating their leadership.
[M3] Explore Implementation of Collaborative Procurement Program for Municipal Facilities and Schools(38)
No similar aggregations known to exist locally
Consider collaborating with agencies across the region to aggregate government facilities, including municipal buildings and schools, for solar evaluation and cost-effective procurement to demonstrate leadership and reduce energy costs while strengthening the economy and environment.
[M6a] Survey Brownfield Sites for Solar Development Opportunities(12)
No brownfield sites being developed currently
Support the creation of a working group to identify Brownfield sites and solar development options across the state, following the best practices and case studies provided. Share information with market stakeholders.
[M7] Publicize Solar Workforce Development Resources and Industry Training Tools(21)
Minimal level of information currently available locally
Consolidate regional and statewide standards and best practices, provide online as a resource to the installer community, and organize an outreach/training event to generate awareness and understanding.
[M8] Provide Solar Educational Resources to Constituents(77)
Minimal level of information currently available locally
Consolidate solar resources and best practices, provide online as a resource to the consumer market (residential and commercial), and organize an outreach/training event to generate awareness and understanding across the community.
Resources
