Permitting Process

 Below is information about Westminster's permitting, inspection, and zoning process for solar energy.

• Submit solar permits through the eTRAKiT system.
  • What is eTRAKiT? It is a one-stop-shop platform for applying for any solar permit and provides users the ability to view records and check project status without logging in. Registered users who create an account will have the ability to pay fees and view records in detail. Contractors will have the ability to pay fees, apply for permits, and schedule and cancel inspections on their permits.
  • Note: Please read the Building Division's Electronic File Submittal Requirements prior to applying for a building permit.
• Permitting checklist: follow along here to ensure you’re all set to get your solar permit.
• All small system PV permits will receive at the longest a three (3) day turn-around time.
• Permit Fees: Solar permits cost $300. Find the fee schedule here.

Inspection Guidelines

• Learn details of the City’s solar inspection processes on our guideline document.
• Schedule your solar PV inspection
• Solar PV inspections will be complete within 5 business days after inspection request.
• “Solar-By-Right” Ordinance: Ordinance No. 4071, explicitly outlines that accessory use solar PV is allowed by-right in all major zones.

Solar Metrics

As of 2020, Westminster had approximately 2,215 existing photovoltaic (PV) solar installations on residential and commercial properties. This is more than 10.8 mW produced. This indicates we are well on our way to achieving our State’s solar goal of 100% renewable electricity community-wide by 2040 and our City’s Sustainability Plan. Find our most up-to-date list of installations on our solar map.

Benefits of Solar

Solar energy uses a renewable energy source – the sun – and provides many benefits for individuals and the community. Solar development:

• Improves environmental quality by reducing carbon emissions and air pollution.
• Supports local solar companies in Colorado.
• Saves money on energy costs as the price continues to drop from technological developments.
• Improves electric grid resilience during peak demand and other stresses to the system.

Solar Maps and Potential

• Explore where solar is currently installed and permitted in the city on our interactive Solar Map.
• Investigate your property’s solar potential with Google’s Project Sunroof Data Explorer.
• Estimate the performance of potential PV projects using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts Calculator.

Finding a Contractor and Going Solar

Find a solar contractor (or two) to assess your home for solar energy and provide a bid. Certified practitioners can be found through NABCEP. Below is additional information and resources for how to select a solar contractor:

• Choosing a Solar Installer – an informative short video from the GW Solar Institute explaining the questions to ask and research to conduct prior to going solar.
• Consumer Solar Checklist - a checklist for residential consumers considering solar energy from IREC, the Interstate Renewable Energy Counci
• Clean Energy Consumer Bill of Rights – ensuring a positive consumer experience by addressing important issues from IREC, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.

Financing Resources

Typically solar installations are paid for through loans or cash, with Federal and Colorado incentives available. Below you will some information on financing resources:

• Colorado RENU Loan- The RENU Loan is a statewide residential loan program sponsored by the Colorado Energy Office in partnership with Colorado-based credit unions. It makes home energy upgrades easy and affordable by offering low-cost, long-term financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements for residents and contractors.
• C-PACE: Colorado Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) is a financing tool that allows commercial and multifamily property owners to finance qualifying solar installation  on existing and newly constructed properties, with repayment of the financing through a voluntary assessment on their property tax bill.
• Rooftop Solar Financing 101 – an informative short video from the GW Solar Institute explaining different solar financing options.