LAKELAND, FL (June 7, 2023) - The City of Lakeland received a Silver designation from the national SolSmart program for encouraging the growth of clean, affordable solar energy at the local level. As a SolSmart Silver designee, the City of Lakeland has adopted nationally recognized best practices to advance solar market growth. City staff worked with SolSmart's technical assistance team to increase local knowledge of solar energy so the entire community can benefit.
 
The City of Lakeland has experienced a huge increase in solar permitting applications over the past several years.  In 2018 there were 22 permits for residential solar applications. This past year there were 285.  The City’s Building Inspection Division completed a thorough review of the application process with the goal of minimizing the number of code requirements and reducing the turnaround time for permits.  The Building Division studied more than 120 jurisdictions around the country to find best practices. This is how Lakeland was introduced to the SolSmart program from the US Department of Energy.
 
The City of Lakeland was awarded the Silver designation from SolSmart for improving permitting and inspection, improving planning and zoning hurdles, streamlining operations and increasing community engagement.  Lakeland Electric, the City-owned utility has approximately 1,000 solar customers and this number has more than doubled since 2020.  New interconnections are rising steadily with Lakeland Electric adding 40-50 new solar customers per month.
 
Lakeland Electric believes in solar, in fact the utility has five solar farm locations that produce over 17.5 million kWh per year.  This amount of solar energy is enough to power approximately 1,650 houses using an average of 10,634 kWh per year.
 
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 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 43 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.