Printer Friendly Version - Branford Designated 'SolSmart Bronze' for Advancing Solar Energy Growth

Annouced Jan. 25, 2021 Branford is receiving a Bronze designation from the national SolSmart program. The designation recognizes the Town's steps toward encourage solar energy growth and remove obstacles to solar development. Shown here, Branford First Selectman James B. Cosgrove receiving the SolSmart Bronze plaque.Photo courtesy Office of First Selectman, Town of Branford

Branford is receiving a Bronze designation from the national SolSmart program for making it faster, easier, and more affordable for homes and businesses to go solar. This designation recognizes Branford for taking bold steps to encourage solar energy growth and remove obstacles to solar development.

For companies looking to expand, a SolSmart Bronze designation is a signal that Branford is "open for solar business."

"This accomplishment was a team effort of the Branford Clean Energy Committee and town offices working together to encourage solar energy in Branford. Solar energy will help move Branford to a greener, more resilient, and money-saving infrastructure while contributing to Connecticut's goal of 100% renewable-sourced electricity by 2040," commented First Selectman Cosgrove.

Clean Energy Committee Chairperson Shirley McCarthy elaborated, "We are very grateful to Sustainability and Compliance Manager Diana McCarthy-Bercury for initiating the process and Building Official Anthony Cinicola and Town Planner Harry Smith, for facilitating changes that streamline the solar approval process. I would also like to recognize volunteers Dan Rabin, Eunice Mahler, and Bill Horne for their contributions to this initiative."

SolSmart's Toyah Barigye, liaison for Branford HeatSmart, said that, "Branford was already on the path towards making the town a solar-friendly location. Solar arrays at the Tabor field and their new fire house as well as HeatSmart education outreach indicated to us that the town was a great candidate for SolSmart. The HeatSmart group documented what they were already doing and completed some additional requirements to qualify quickly for Bronze designation. We hope that they will continue to Silver and Gold levels."

SolSmart is led by The Solar Foundation and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office. To receive designation, cities and counties make changes to their local processes to reduce the time and money it takes to install a solar energy system. This includes evaluating local permitting processes, as well as planning and zoning procedures. SolSmart designees also develop innovations in areas such as market development and finance.

The actions Branford has taken will help encourage solar companies to do business in the area, driving economic development and creating local jobs. More than 390 cities, counties, and small towns have achieved SolSmart designation since the program launched in 2016. Interested communities can learn more at SolSmart.org.