PV panel prices are falling fast, but that’s not the whole picture. About half of solar’s total price tag comes from non-panel costs, factors like the cost of labor and overhead. Local permitting practices can put a serious damper on that part of the cost equation. The good news is, it’s also very much within the power of the local government (and a city’s residents) to change all that to make solar more accessible. And that’s what our new Project: Permit is all about . . .

First we’re tracking down current practices from around the nation and showcasing them through our interactive online map.  By highlighting the real time and cost involved in solar permitting, we will be able to celebrate the cities who get it right and motivate the laggards to improve.

Then we’re helping local partners and solar friends implement best practices in the cities that need it most. Don’t like what you see in your hometown? We have a solar permitting toolkit with the resources you’ll need to convince your mayor and city council to get with the program.

Our campaign kicks-off with sunny Arizona.  Thanks to help from our intrepid Vote Solar volunteers and in-state partners (special thanks American Solar Electric), we gathered data on the permitting practices in the major cities and towns.

And the results are in . . .

Top 5 Cities for Solar Permitting:
1. Scottsdale
2. Fountain Hills
3. Peoria
4. Yuma County
5. Pima County

Honorable Mention:
Tucson

It may not be a best dressed list, but we think it’s a whole lot sexier. Read all about it in our Arizona report.

Arizona’s just the beginning, stay tuned for more from states nationwide. If you have a few minutes to spare we could sure use your help adding permitting data for your city into the mix with this easy survey.