How Steamboat Springs Supports Solar

Routt County Justice Center panels photo from Steve Faulkner

The City of Steamboat Springs has taken the following steps to expand and support local solar:

  • Committed in April 2020 to become an official SolSmart designated  community 
  • Waived city permit fee and use tax for residential and commercial solar PV systems
  • Included the future development of solar arrays in local planning initiatives and the Climate Action Plan
  • Is a financial partner in support of the planning process for 2,000-kilowatt (2 megawatt) new regional solar array proposed for location within neighboring Moffat County 
  • As of September 2020, the city is in final engineering and design with consultants for new solar arrays at two city facilities, at the Wastewater Treatment Plan and at the Transit Operations Center
  • Became a member of the Yampa Valley Solar United Neighbors (SUN) co-op in 2019
  • Celebrated the installation of a grant-funded solar array benefiting low-income co-op members of the Yampa Valley Electric Association
  • Installed solar panels on the Steamboat Springs Community Center
  • Continues to honor the City Council vision statement: To preserve our past while assuring an economically, culturally and environmentally sustainable future.

SolSmart

Steamboat Springs is making it easier for residents and businesses to go solar by participating in SolSmart, a U.S. Department of Energy funded program designed to recognize communities nationwide that have taken steps to reduce barriers to going solar for residents and businesses. 

As of summer 2020, 23 entities in Colorado and 370 across the U.S. have earned SolSmart designation. Learn more about the SolSmart program.

SolSmart Silver