This page provides information for communities interested in being certified as a Commercial Solar Energy Ready Community, including the application and requirements for certification. Use the information below, including the application templates as a guide for certification. This information is also available in a printable handout version below.
Handout: Commercial Solar Energy Ready Community
Handout: Application for Certification
Application Template - Commercial Solar Energy Ready Community
How to Apply
Click here to access the application template for certification as a Commercial Solar Energy Ready Community. Use of this template is not required, but is intended to guide applicants. All applications should be submitted to EnergyReady@oed.in.gov.
Applications are accepted and reviewed year-round, allowing communities time to develop their local standards and to apply when they are ready. Once submitted, the process for review and designation is estimated to take an average of 60 to 90 days depending on the complexity of the local unit ordinances and if follow up with applicants is needed prior to designation determination.
Eligible Communities
In accordance with IC 8-1-42-8, eligible communities include county and municipal units of government.
Local Commercial Solar Regulation Adoption
In order to become certified as a Commercial Solar Energy Ready Community, your community must adopt a commercial solar regulation that includes clear standards for the construction, installation, siting, modification, operation, and decommissioning of one or more commercial solar energy systems in the community.
The county or municipal commercial solar regulations must include:
- Standards that are not more restrictive, directly or indirectly, than the default standards outlined in IC 8-1-42.
- A clear and transparent process to identify potential commercial solar project sites.
- Does not unreasonably eliminate portions of the community for commercial solar projects.
- A fair review and approval process with a final approval that cannot be revoked.
- A specific plan for how incentive funds granted by the Center will be used for economic development within or near the project's footprint or to otherwise benefit residents and businesses within or near the project's footprint.
Demonstration of Commitment
As a part of the certification, the community must demonstrate a commitment, of at least 10 years from the project's start date of full commercial operation, to:
- Maintain the standards and procedural framework established in your community's commercial solar power regulation, and
- Maintain all applicable zoning, land use, and planning regulations.
If changes to the ordinances occur, the designated community must notify OED within 30 days. OED also reserves the right to review a designated community’s ordinances at its discretion after initial certification to ensure compliance with certification requirements.