City of Altoona Designated "SolSmart Bronze" for Solar Energy Actions

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Altoona, Wisconsin -- The City of Altoona received a Bronze designation from the national SolSmart program for encouraging the growth of affordable solar energy options at the local level.

As a SolSmart Bronze designee, Altoona has adopted nationally recognized best practices to advance solar market growth. The City worked with SolSmart's no-cost technical assistance team to increase local knowledge of solar energy so the entire community can benefit.

SolSmart is led by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office. Over 500 cities, towns, counties, and regional organizations have achieved SolSmart designation since the program launched in 2016.

In 2023, the City of Altoona adopted an Energy Action Plan as part of Xcel Energy's Partners in Energy Program. Our Energy Action Plan creates intention, focuses our efforts, and identifies actions to engage our community to benefit municipal properties, new development, small and medium-sized businesses, residents, and rental property owners. Becoming a SolSmart designated community has been a key part of implementing our Energy Action Plan and our 2022 Comprehensive Plan.

To achieve SolSmart Bronze designation, Altoona has trained permitting and inspection staff on best practices for permitting solar energy and solar-plus storage systems. The planning and zoning department has clarified that solar energy is allowed by-right in all major zones. These and other actions taken will make it faster, easier, and more affordable for local residents, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to install solar in this community.

Additionally, the City took the following actions:

• Purchased approximately 66,000 KWh worth of solar shares in 2021
• Started a microgrid feasibility study for its East Neighborhood District, 80 acres of which is City owned.
• Subscribed to Eau Claire Energy Cooperative's MemberSolar program for four City owned commercial and industrial premises in 2021.
• Provided information to the community regarding available energy resources for residents and business owners as part of its Energy Action Plan implementation.

Local governments achieve Solsmart designation by meeting established criteria that are based on national best practices for building solar-friendly communities. The SolSmart team of experts offers no-cost technical assistance and resources to help communities put these practices into action. Those that meet the criteria are designated SolSmart Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze.

SolSmart designees are now in 44 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Any city, town, county, and regional organization is eligible to join the program. Interested communities can learn more at SolSmart.org.

SolSmart Bronze media release PDF >>