Solar Siting & Sustainable Development Guidelines

SOLAR
Siting & Sustainable
Development Guidelines
Tools for the City of Milwaukee

A Report for the Office of Sustainability
UW-Milwaukee | Urban Planning 811 | Spring 2012
Catherman • Dolnik • Goetsch • Hudak • Quintana

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary ................................................. 02 Solar Certification Program .................................. 35
Introduction ............................................................. 03
SECTION 03 | Solar Suitability in Milwaukee
Problem Statement ................................................. 04
Solar Development Zones ..................................... 40
Objectives & Criteria .............................................. 05
Smartphone App & Website .................................. 45
SECTION 01 | Public Participation & Research
Conclusion & Recommendations ........................ 49
Public Input ............................................................... 08
Appendix A ............................................................... 50
Survey .................................................................. 08
Appendix B ............................................................... 56
Workshop ........................................................... 09
Appendix C ............................................................... 61
Case Studies ............................................................. 10
Ann Arbor, MI ..................................................... 10
San José, CA ........................................................ 11
Tucson, AZ .......................................................... 13
Minneapolis / St. Paul, MN ............................... 14

SECTION 02 | Solar Building Code & Certification
Solar Building Code ................................................ 18
Solar Ready Building Code .................................... 24
Model Ordinance .................................................... 29
Solar Building Checklist .......................................... 31
01

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
These items may be implemented individually but will be
most effective when used together.
Solar Certification: Modeled after the LEED
Certification program, a solar certification is included to
help market solar in Milwaukee.
Model Solar District: Development of a model
solar district in the 30th Street Industrial Corridor is
examined. This can serve as a model for future districts.
Smartphone App and Website: A smartphone app and
website was created to help aide residents, installers,
and developers with solar development in Milwaukee.
To help guide the project and gain insight, a survey and
workshop was conducted with local installers and
professionals in the solar industry. The email-based
The City of Milwaukee’s lack of well-defined building codes, survey and in-person workshop were well received and
permitting procedures, and clear installation guidelines has proved that strong solar interest does exist in the City of
hindered the solar development process in Milwaukee. Milwaukee.
These barriers have also prevented Milwaukee Shines Milwaukee is positioning itself to become a model for other
from effectively increasing solar usage in the city despite cities in Wisconsin and around the country interested
education, training, and cost assistance efforts. in developing solar-ready building codes and permitting
Four deliverables, guided by several objectives and criteria, processes. By implementing the deliverables included in
were created to address these issues. These deliverables this report, the City of Milwaukee has the potential to
were also guided by best practices gleaned from case grow solar energy usage at a rate higher than currently
studies in Ann Arbor, MI; Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN; San experienced and become a national leader in solar energy
José, CA; and Tucson, AZ. building practices.

Solar Building Codes: Two model building codes - one
for solar installations and one for solar-ready buildings -
are included along with a model ordinance and checklist.

02

INTRODUCTION
The City of Milwaukee was designated as a Solar America
City by the U.S. Department of Energy on March 28,
2008. Around the same time, climate protection had been
a focus of city officials. In 2007, Mayor Barrett created
the first Cabinet-level office dedicated to the Office of
Environmental Sustainability (OES) and signed the Mayor’s
Climate Protection Agreement, with a goal of reducing the
City’s energy usage by 15% by 2012.
The Milwaukee Shines program, a partnership between
OES,We Energies, Focus on Energy, and Midwest Renewable
Energy Association (MREA), was created with the goal
to lower the cost of installations. This team identified
various obstacles to adopting solar in Milwaukee and to
developed strategies to address those barriers. The three
main barriers identified were economic, informational, and
procedural barriers. Workers installing a solar panel on a Milwaukee residence
Photo: Midwest Renewable Energy Association
Substantial efforts have been made to overcome the
economic barriers.The area saw an increase in the number
of solar PV installers in the area from 7 to 24 and in the Recent developments in 2012 within OES include the
number of assessors from 9 to 22 from 2009-2010. The announcement of Milwaukee’s Sustainability Plan, which
City partnered with Summit Credit Union to offer up to includes the vision and action plan. Additionally, Mayor
$2 million to help property owners with the upfront costs Barrett has assembled a 15-person joint City-community
of installations, and to host various training workshops for “Green Team” to oversee the planning efforts.
solar professionals.
Despite all of the program’s accomplishments, assembling
To address informational barriers, a website for the all the requirements and procedures necessary to
Milwaukee Shines program, along with other forms of streamline the permitting process is still an issue. Confusion
social media, was created to give consumers access among the City departments’ rules regarding processing
to information and resources on solar-related issues. permits, building codes, and inspection requirements are a
Numerous public events have been held to help Milwaukee hindrance to addressing the procedural barrier.
residents gain more insight and understanding of the solar
market.
03

PROBLEM STATEMENT
The City of Milwaukee currently lacks well-defined building codes and permitting procedures that provide
clear guidelines pertaining to solar installations for building owners and contractors. This has prevented
Milwaukee Shines from effectively increasing solar usage in the city despite education, training, and cost
assistance efforts. In addition, Milwaukee is looking to become a model for other cities in Wisconsin and
around the country interested in developing solar-ready building codes and permitting processes. By
providing clear building codes and an easier permitting procedure, the City of Milwaukee has the potential
to grow solar energy usage at a rate higher than currently experienced and become a national leader in
solar energy building practices.

04

OBJECTIVES & CRITERIA
Objective 1 Objective 2
Create a sample solar building code that can Develop a solar certification program as a means
be used by the City of Milwaukee, and other for the City to market Milwaukee Shines to
Wisconsin municipalities, to provide and clarify residents and developers.
requirements and permitting procedures for solar Criterion 2.1
energy system installations. Create a model certification program for other cities in
Criterion 1.1 Wisconsin to use.
Provide best practices and recommendations identified in Criterion 2.2
solar energy system research. Create a worksheet for applicants to check eligibility.
Criterion 1.2 Criterion 2.3
Identify requirement differences for commercial vs. Develop different levels of certification based on the type
residential buildings and new buildings vs. retrofits. and size of energy-saving methods utilized.
Identify state building and electrical requirements that Develop marketing strategies to increase participation in
must be included in all solar energy systems. the certification program.
Criterion1.4
Identify structural requirements necessary to safely Objective 3
support rooftop solar energy systems.
Develop a web and mobile application to assist
Criterion 1.5 building owners and contractors in the permitting,
Include all solar energy system installation regulations and
requirements in one location.
inspection, and decision-making processes
necessary to install a solar energy system.
Criterion 1.6
Clarify solar energy system installation regulations Criterion 3.1
and requirements for building owners, installers, and Inform building owners of their building’s candidacy as a
contractors. solar energy building.

Adapt solar ready building code into checklist format. Provide electrical inspector districts, contact information,
05

and other pertinent information necessary to complete a
solar energy system installation.
Criterion 3.3
Direct building owners and contractors to required
building and electrical permits.
Criterion 3.4
Connect building owners to financial resources available
to fund solar energy system installation.

Objective 4
Identify potential solar development zones where
neighborhood solar energy system installation
projects can be piloted.
Criterion 4.1
Identify solar energy potential for every building within
the City of Milwaukee.
Criterion 4.2
Determine areas of the City that contain high concentrations
of buildings with high solar energy potentials.

06

SECTION 01
Public Participation &
Research

07

PUBLIC INPUT
An effective way to identify public values within the
community is to provide opportunities for public input.
In order to understand how the stakeholders for solar
energy systems in the City of Milwaukee value solar, they
were asked more broadly about solar energy systems
and more specifically about the solar deliverables.
The stakeholders consisted of residents of the City of
Milwaukee, solar installers, utility representatives, industry
experts and supporters, and governmental representatives.
Stakeholders were inquired twice: first through an
electronic survey and second through a workshop.

SURVEY
An electronic survey was sent on March 1, 2012, to 38
community members identified by Amy Heart with the
Milwaukee Shines program, and 18 people responded. The
main purpose of the solar survey was to get a general
picture of people’s opinions on solar energy installations,
find out if they would take advantage of the solar tools,
to give an initial introduction to solar districts, and make
community members aware of the solar workshop.
Based on the survey responses, the stakeholders value
several aspects of solar energy systems: that solar energy
can produce fewer greenhouse gases, reduce their local
electric bill, support the development of a new energy
technology and market, and receiving financial incentives
to aid the purchase of systems. Stakeholders supported the
idea of “solar-ready” buildings with 12 “yes”, 3 “no”, and 3
“maybe”, in response to building or renovating a building
as “solar-ready.” A majority of stakeholders supported
the idea of “solar districts” with 14 “yes”, 3 “no”, and 1
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“maybe” response. Finally, in support of a future workshop,
15 responded “yes” to attending and 5 “no”. A detailed
summary of the questions and responses are in Appendix
A..

WORKSHOP
Following the solar survey, on April 3, 2012, a workshop
called, “Solar Siting and Sustainable Development
Guidelines Workshop” was held at Helios Solar Works in
Milwaukee. Fifteen people attended the workshop out of
seventeen registrants. The purpose of the workshop was
to gain detailed feedback for each individual deliverable:
1) the solar-ready and solar building code, 2) solar
certification program, 3) solar districts, and 4) solar
website and smartphone application.
The workshop began with a brief introduction and
instructional for the planned activity.The activity consisted
of four stations representing the four deliverables
previously mentioned. Each of the four stations contained
a feedback form and sample of the deliverable. The
attendees were split into four groups and then rotated to
each station, and at each station reviewed the deliverable
and gave feedback either on the form or to the group
member sitting at that station. For a detailed summary of
the workshop, view Appendix B.

09

CASE STUDIES
To aid the Office of Environmental Sustainability in
developing strategies to advance the solar movement in
the City of Milwaukee, we explored other cities to gain
insights on how they have implemented strategies specific
to their locale. Four case studies have been conducted
to examine successes and best practices in: Ann Arbor,
Michigan; San Jose, California; Tucson, Arizona; and St. Paul/
Minneapolis, Minnesota. These cities have demonstrated
huge gains in the solar industry by setting specific,
measurable goals and policies, implementing action plans
by involving stakeholders and utilizing public participation,
and developing marketing strategies to accomplish their
goals. Several ‘best practices’ from each case study have
guided our action plans for Milwaukee, including:
Solar specific building codes and ordinances;
Building checklists; The “Nature House” at the Leslie Science Center in Ann Arbor, MI,
which is an environmental learning center for schoolchildren, features
Website development and enhancement; solar hot-water panels and two PV systems among other solar
Solar development districts; and technologies
Photo: Ann Arbor Area CVB
Solar energy rating system.
Improve city regulations and building codes to help
ANN ARBOR, MI streamline the installation of solar systems
Train installers and city staff to properly assess sites
Ann Arbor was designated by the U.S. Department of for solar feasibility including accounting for code and
Energy (DOE) as a Solar America City in 2007. The city permitting issues
set a goal to install 5,000 solar systems and obtain 20%
of the city’s energy from renewable sources by 2015. To Increase the number of large-scale solar installations on
achieve these goals, the Ann Arbor Solar America Cities city buildings, including highly visible public demonstration
partnership identified the following activities: and educational installations
Develop an Ann Arbor Solar Plan to identify and remove Establish new partnerships with local organizations
barriers to increased solar energy use designed to educate the Ann Arbor community

10

Accomplishments and Highlights For more information:
Advocating for State-level Policy and Legislation http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy12osti/50192.pdf
Enacted legislation to enable cities to develop Property http://www.epa.gov/P3/success/michigan.pdf
Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing programs
Using a Solar Feasibility Study as a Training Opportunity SAN JOSE, CA
Criteria used for evaluating municipal buildings: available California Solar Initiative
roof area, roof age and condition, shading factors,
electrical interconnection access, conduit routing, As part of California’s efforts to increase renewable
facility energy consumption, electrical meter location, energy, in 2006, Governor Schwarzenegger signed the
potential inverter and disconnect mounting locations, Million Solar Roofs Initiative, aka the California Solar
structural roof issues, and potential thermal applications. Initiative (CSI), which established three goals: (1) to install
Experts conducting the site evaluations trained a rep 3,000 megawatts (MW) or approximately one million
from Recycle Ann Arbor, a local non-profit charged with solar roofs by the end of 2016; (2) to establish a self-
promoting green building practices in Ann Arbor. sufficient solar industry in which solar energy systems are
a viable mainstream option in ten years; and (3) to place
Cost-Conscious Solar Mapping solar energy systems on 50 percent of new homes within
A group of university students used aerial photographs 13 years.
to analyze the solar potential of single-family houses in
Ann Arbor and concluded that 86% of the 22,000 Ann
Arbor rooftops would be feasible sites for solar hot
water installations
Working with the Historic District Commission
Ann Arbor’s first community-funded installation was
developed for the historic Michigan Theater. The
proposal was unanimously approved by the commission.
The rationale for approving the installation was that
they are reversible and could be removed in the future
without any permanent impact to the structure. It
also establishes important precedents for when the
commission does allow solar installation in the future.
The commission also formed a committee to study solar,
identifying best practices for mounting systems and types
of solar panels available. This will allow the commission
to balance aesthetic and historic preservation needs A new PV array system is installed on a home of a city employee who
with sustainability objectives. participated in the group buy pilot in 2010
Photo: City of San José, NREL/PIX 19492
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In May 2007, DOE selected San Jose as a Solar American lease model. In partnership with the County of Santa
Showcase. At the time of the city’s designation in Clara and Joint Venture Silicon Valley, San Jose developed
2008, approximately 500 solar installations totaling 3.7 and implemented a workshop on Power Purchase
megawatts (MW) existed within city boundaries. The Agreement project management, and a regional solar
City of San José (City) has long been a leader in green Power Purchase Agreement Procurement project. San
policies and environmentally-friendly programs. City Jose also received a 2010 Community Development
Council adoption of San José’s Green Vision in October Block Grant for PV on six municipal facilities that serve
2007 aligned and strengthened the City’s focus on energy, low-income residents
with specific and aggressive goals related to the use of
energy, implementation of renewable technologies and the Increased Consumer Awareness
creation of green collar workforce opportunities: San Jose has provided education, training, and curriculum
to more than 60 K-12 educators, along with hands-on
Goal 1: Create 25,000 Clean Tech jobs. solar cooking workshops to schools and afterschool
Goal 2: Reduce per capita energy use by 50%. programs. Scholarships for local teachers to attend the
Rahus Institute Solar Schoolhouse Summer Institute for
Goal 3: Receive 100% of our electrical power from Educators and the U.S. Dept. of Energy Solar Trainer
clean renewable sources. Institute in Florida. The Silicon Valley Energy Map was
developed in collaboration with the city’s Energy Watch
Goal 4: Build or retrofit 50 million square feet of green
program to provide information on energy use, solar
buildings.
and renewable energy, and green buildings in Santa Clara
Among the Green Vision’s ten goals, one of the more County. San Jose also created a solar website to provide
ambitious is ensuring that 100% of the City’s electricity resources on the basics of solar, incentives, workshops,
needs are met by renewable energy sources by 2022. San and events to help the community learn about solar
José is working to develop programs for the community technologies and how to “go solar” in San Jose.
that will remove barriers to solar adoption and enable
Workforce Readiness
residents and businesses to contribute to achieving the
City’s Green Vision goals. Clean Energy Tech Strategy from October 2007-2010
assisted in the creation of more than 3,000 clean tech
Accomplishments and Highlights jobs. Additionally, in partnership with Pacific Gas and
As of October 2010, a cumulative total of 2,035 PV systems Electric, San Jose has held multiple solar-related training
have been installed in San Jose, totaling 27 MW. courses for the general public. Training workshops have
also been developed in PV and firefighter safety
Financing
San Jose Green Vision Clean Energy Showcase
In 2008, San Jose’s Mayor, Chuck Reed issued a challenge
These showcases provide visitors with hands-on
to the industry calling on solar companies to develop
experience with advanced solar, wind, and energy
ways for residents to install solar with no upfront cost
efficiency technologies. They seek to educate consumers
within 60 days, leading the way for zero-down solar
12

about clean energy solutions, advance available resources
for green collar workforce training, and provide vital
training and education for San Jose’s students.
For more information:
http://energy.sanjoseca.gov/solar/default.asp
http://www.sanjoseca.gov/planning/pdf/Ord28320.pdf
http://www.energy.ca.gov/2009publications/CEC-180-
2009-005/CEC-180-2009-005.PDF

TUCSON, AZ
Tucson adopted an ordinance in June 2008 that requires
all new single-family homes and duplexes in Tucson
to be “solar-ready” before a building permit is issued.
The ordinance requires all new homes either to have a Tucson promotes solar in the community through highly visible
installations on city-owned buildings
photovoltaic (PV) and solar water heating system installed,
Photo: iStock 10405326,View of the City of Tucson
or to have the necessary hardware installed so that a
system can easily be installed at a later date.
and cooling loads.
The new rules require: 4. Show an Electrical Panel Schedule with a 240 volt circuit
1. Provide a Site Plan showing the best space available breaker space labeled “reserved for Photo Voltaic”.
for accommodating Photo
Accomplishments and Highlights
Voltaic (PV) equipment (meter, disconnect & inverter)
City of Tucson Residential Green Building Rating System
with minimum area of 4 square feet. Locate the PV
equipment adjacent to the electrical service panel if Single family, duplex, and triplex homes no more than
feasible or on a wall close to the proposed collector three stories in height may apply for certification. The
panel space. rating system provides four levels of certification:
2. Show on the Site Plan the best roof space available Bronze: 75-100 points
for accommodating PV solar collector panels. Provide a Silver: 101-130 points
roof structure designed for the additional collector dead
loading (typically 4 lbs/SF). Gold: 131-160 points
3. Show a minimum 3,800 volt-ampere PV electrical load Emerald: over 160 points
entry on the Service Financing with Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBS)
Load Calculation.This load is continuous as with heating CREBs may be used by certain entities— primarily
13

in the public sector— to finance renewable energy Generation Energy Initiative, legislation that enacted what
projects. CREBs may be issued by electric cooperatives, some considered at that time the nation’s most aggressive
government entities (states, cities, counties, territories, renewable energy standard. Then the state only had 1
Indian tribal governments, or any political subdivision megawatt (MW) of solar capacity.
thereof), and by certain lenders. CREBs are theoretically
issued with a 0% interest rate, where the borrower pays The following key activities were identified to meet the
back only the principal of the bond, and the bondholder cities’ solar goals:
receives federal tax credits in lieu of the traditional bond Implement change in policies and standards relevant to
interest. Eventually, Tucson was able to issue a 13-year solar deployment
bond that covered $7.6 million for seven projects. The Develop financing mechanisms for solar projects
seven projects will net the city more than $3.4 million
Elevate public awareness and interest in solar
over the 25-year life of the solar equipment. The City of
technologies
Tucson used the bond funds to expand its solar capacity
from 220 kilowatts (kW) to more than 1.2 MW. Identify ways to integrate solar technologies into city
infrastructure
For additional information:
Provide education and training for solar installers
http://solaramericacommunities.energy.gov/pdfs/tucson.
pdf Accomplishments and Highlights
http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/files/dsd/ District Energy Saint Paul Solar Thermal Project
CityofTucsonGreenBuildingProgram.pdf The Twin Cities Solar America Cities team worked
http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/devnews/news/tucson039s- with District Energy Saint Paul to acquire a $1 million
green-building-program Solar America Cities Special Projects grant. The grant
leveraged more than $1.2 million in matching funds
http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/files/agdocs/20090805/aug5-
from District Energy Saint Paul to create a unique solar
09-432.pdf
thermal installation (1.2 MW, the largest in the Midwest)
http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/files/agdocs/20080617/june17- on the Saint Paul RiverCentre in downtown Saint Paul.
08-311.pdf
http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/energy/solarintucson
http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive. Solar Friendly Zoning and Solar Permitting Process
cfm?Incentive_Code=AZ26R&re=1&ee=1 Improvements
The Twin Cities already recognized solar energy as
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL, allowed accessory uses in all zoning districts. The cities
now have developed new regulations that distinguish
MN solar energy from other accessory uses and clarify
where accessory use regulation is inappropriate or needs
The Twin Cities also benefits from statewide Next additional consideration. The Minneapolis ordinance

14

Commerce/Solar_Ready_Building_
Design_Guidelines_020211042659_
SolarBuildingDesignGuidelines.pdf
http://www.state.mn.us/mn/externalDocs/
Commerce/Solar_Ready_Construction_
Specification_020211035322_SolarConstructionSpec.pdf

A rooftop solar array system is displayed on a Minneapolis business
Photo: Meet Minneapolis/NREL PIX 18698

gives explicit consideration to solar access for existing
solar systems when considering rezoning or conditional
use applications on adjacent properties. It also creates a
“solar carveout” within lot coverage standards for pole-
or ground-mounted systems, and exempts building-
integrates solar systems from accessory use or solar
systems standards
A solar permitting guidance document was created
for use in both cities to ensure consistent permitting
requirements for solar electric systems, with a clear set
of requirements to demonstrate compliance with building
and electric codes and can obtain a permit with a single
visit for qualifying systems.
For more information:
http://solaramericacommunities.energy.gov/pdfs/
minneapolis_saint_paul.pdf
http://www.state.mn.us/mn/externalDocs/
15

SECTION 02
Solar Building Code &
Certification

17

SOLAR BUILDING CODE
While Wisconsin’s state statutes require solar electrical inspectors certified by the Wisconsin Department of
systems to be allowed on buildings, there is no one-stop Commerce.
shop for solar regulations anywhere in the state. A solar
installation building code will substantially improve the 3. Establish and collect fees to defray administrative
permitting and decision-making processes for building and enforcement costs.
owners, contractors, and installers by having all regulations 4. Establish remedies and penalties for violations.
clearly outlined in one location. Making this information
accessible and easy to understand is the first step towards ABC 123.03 Adoption of Codes – the following
increasing solar installations in the City of Milwaukee. Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Codes, including all
Examples of sites plan from Portland, Oregon are included referenced codes and standards, and future amendments
to illustrate potential submissions the city can anticipate thereto, are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth
receiving. herein, copies thereof being on file in the Department of
City Development:

CODE SPS 371 Solar Energy Systems
ABC 123.04 Solar Energy System Description –
Chapter ABC 123
A solar energy system is defined for the purpose of this
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS code as a solar electric, also known as a photovoltaic or
PV, system.
Subchapter I – Administration
1. A solar electric system produces electricity that
ABC 123.01 Scope – This code applies to all dwellings, is distributed to the building via the main electrical
public buildings, and places of employment. panel, offsetting electric energy that would otherwise
ABC 123.02 Intent and Purpose – The intent and be purchased from the utility. It consists of two primary
purpose of this code is to: components:
a. Photovoltaic panels, which are commonly installed
1. Protect the health, safety and welfare of the public by on the roof; and
establishing minimum standards for the design, installation,
maintenance, and inspection of solar energy systems on b. An inverter, which converts direct current electricity
dwellings, public buildings, and places of employment. produced by the panels into alternating current electricity
that can be used by the building.
2. Provide plan review and on-site inspections for
dwellings, public buildings, and places of employment by Subchapter II – Installation Requirements

18

ABC 123.05 Land Use – Solar energy systems must Subchapter III – Permits
comply with the zoning code.
ABC 123.06 General Provisions
1. Height – In all instances installations of solar
energy equipment, including the rails and panels, are 1. Alterations – When a solar energy system is
subject to the height limitations of the specific zone in added to an existing dwelling, public building, or place of
which they are being installed. Roof-mounted solar panels employment, the installation is considered an alteration.
are not included in height calculations, and may exceed the Under the provisions of the respective building code, all
maximum height of the zone if the following are met: alterations must meet the code requirements for new
construction. Permits for alterations may be processed in
a. For flat roofs or the horizontal portion of mansard one of two ways:
roofs, the panels may extend up to seven (7) feet above
the highest point of the roof. a. Through the traditional permitting system; or

b. For pitched, hipped, or gambrel roofs, the panels b. Through the Solar Fast-tracking Permitting (SFP)
must be mounted no more than twelve (12) inches from Program
the surface of the roof at any point, and may not extend 2. New Construction – Solar energy systems that
above the ridgeline of the roof. The twelve (12) inches is are included in the construction of a new dwelling, public
measured from the upper side of the solar panel. building, or place of employment will be processed in
2. Design Review – Installations in design overlay conjunction with the new construction permit.
zones, historic districts, conservation districts, or individual 3. All Installations – The type of solar energy
historic or conservation landmarks may require design system to be installed shall be clearly indicated with the
review. Installations exceeding height requirements may application documents and all necessary permits shall be
also be subject to design review. obtained before installation of the system.
a. Notice requirements – Design review is a
ABC 123.07 Application Process – All solar energy
discretionary review that requires a public notice and
system installations shall be submitted for permit review.
generally takes about 8 weeks to complete.
1. Traditional Permitting System
3. Structural – Solar collectors and underlying
substructure (mounts, rails, etc.) must be designed and a. All permits for new construction and alterations are
installed in accordance with the requirements of the latest required to be processed through the City of Milwaukee
version of State of Wisconsin Solar Energy Systems Code Department of City Development located at 809 N.
(SPS 371). Broadway Milwaukee,WI 53202 on the first floor. All solar
panels that are installed as a part of a new construction
4. Electrical – An electrical plan review is required project will be processed in conjunction with the other
for the installation of all solar energy systems. Electrical work being permitted.
permits must be obtained as separate from the residential
b. A building permit and an electrical permit will be
building permit. In all instances, field inspection is required
created at the time of the visit. A permit technician will
to verify code compliance.
19

evaluate the plans for completeness, and if complete, been paid.
a building permit file will be created to document all
necessary reviews and approvals. ABC 123.08 Permit Submittal Requirements –
The following information shall be submitted for each
c. After the initial permits have been created, the respective permit as noted.
applicant will proceed through the planning and zoning
and plan review departments to verify that the design 1. Building Plan – submittal documents shall include:
meets all of the necessary requirements. a. A framing plan showing and specifying existing and
d. In more complex cases, it may be necessary for a new framing providing support.
particular project to be reviewed more closely before a b. Construction details of anchorage, interconnection
permit can be issued. In these instances, the necessary of elements and weather proofing of roof perforations as
reviews will be completed within 7 business days. After applicable.
all necessary reviews have been completed the applicant
c. Structural calculations verifying capacity of proposed
will be notified of any additional questions, or the reviews
system to resist vertical and lateral loads.
will be approved. The applicant will be notified when the
permit has been approved. d. A building plan review and permit are required for
all ballasted installations.
e. The permits will be issued after all permit fees have
been paid. e. All non-ballasted installations shall specify the
method of mechanical attachment to supporting structural
2. Solar Fast-tracking Permitting (SFP) elements, including but not limited to roof rafters, trusses,
Program purlins, beams, and blocking. Plywood sheathing and
a. The SFP Program is for applicants who can answer spaced sheathing are not considered structural members.
“yes” to all of the questions asked on the Solar Installation
2. Electrical Plan – submittal documents shall
Check Sheet provided by the Department of City
include:
Development. Applicants who cannot answer “yes” to all
of the questions must apply for a building permit via the a. System configuration;
traditional permitting system. b. Site drawings showing locations of photovoltaic and
b. Applications received via this method will be exempt utility interconnection point;
from a building plan review and a building permit. c. Location of modules, array, equipment configuration
c. A site plan for installations must be submitted with showing location of balance of system;
the completed Solar Installation Check Sheet showing the d. Conduit sizes and routing, location of disconnecting
building footprint and location of the solar energy system. means, and required overcurrent devices; and
d. Electrical permits for multifamily and commercial/ e. Short circuit current and open circuit voltage clearly
industrial projects will be subject to the same requirements shown and summarized.
as the traditional permitting process.
Subchapter IV – Inspections
e. The permits will be issued after all permit fees have

20

The following inspections will be required for the All code requirements shall be in accordance with the
installation of all solar energy systems unless notified as applicable permitting and inspection procedures.
exempt.
ABC 123.09 Building – Building inspections are required IMPLEMENTATION
to verify that the solar support system is properly installed.
Like any other city ordinance, the solar building code
1. For alterations, two building inspections, listed in will have to be approved by city council and any other
order, are required to verify that the system has been necessary administrative bodies. Upon receipt of this
installed properly: sample code, the Office of Environmental Sustainability
a. Final Structural should review the code with staff from the Department
of City Development to tailor it specifically to the City
b. Final Building of Milwaukee. Any sections that do not agree with the
2. For new construction or for permits that include City’s current codes and ordinances should be modified
additional work beyond the installation of the solar energy so as to avoid any potential conflicts. After any necessary
system additional work may be required. modifications are made, the code should be voted on by
city council to become law. The Office of Environmental
ABC 123.10 Electrical – An electrical inspection is Sustainability should take the lead on bringing the code to
required in all instances where the solar energy system the council’s attention and getting it on a meeting agenda.
provides power to a dwelling, public building, or place of
work electrical system. The inspection will verify that the Once the code is passed by city council, the Office
circuits and feeders have been installed properly and the of Environmental Sustainability should maintain
system has been connected properly. communication with the Department of Community
Development to evaluate the effectiveness of the code
1. Three electrical inspections, listed in order, are and decide if certain sections need to be modified after
required to verify that the system has been installed it has been implemented. In addition, it may be beneficial
properly: to the City to hire an engineer to verify roof loads for
a. Circuits/Feeders solar installations as a means to reduce costs incurred
by building owners who must hire a private engineer. By
b. Permanent Electrical
reducing the costs, the City may see more installations
c. Service/Reconnect occur.
d. Final Electrical
Subchapter V – Fees MODEL FOR WISCONSIN
Fees for all required building and electrical permits will be As the first city in the state to have a comprehensive solar
calculated using the current and applicable Department of building code, Milwaukee can anticipate other municipalities
City Development fee schedule. using it as an example. While some sections of the code
may need to be adapted each municipalities’ current
Subchapter VI – Enforcement
21

ordinances, the general framework for any Wisconsin
community is in place. As a leader in solar energy, Milwaukee
will have to prove that the code is easy to use and has led
to an increase in solar installations. Therefore, it will be
important for the Office of Environmental Sustainability Bureau of Development Services
to collect data on installations prior to and after the code
Bureau of Development Services Program Guide – Solar Water Heating and Photovoltaic Electric Generators
Program Guide – Solar Water Heating and Photovoltaic Electric Generators Installed on One or Two Family Dwellings
is passed by city council.
Installed on One or Two Family Dwellings Page 12 of 14
Page 10 of 14 December 1, 2010
December 1, 2010

Solar Water Heating and Photovoltaic Electric Generators
Installed on One or Two Family Dwellings
Source: City of Portland

22

Program Guide – Solar Water Heating and Photovoltaic Electric Generators
Installed on One or Two Family Dwellings
Page 11 of 14
December 1, 2010

23

SOLAR READY BUILDING
CODE
This building code is similar to the solar building code dwellings, public buildings, and places of employment.
in that it will set a precedent for the state of Wisconsin
by providing all solar ready regulations in one location. 2. Provide plan review and on-site inspections for
Solar ready buildings offer a potentially high return on dwellings, public buildings, and places of employment
investment for little additional cost to a building owner; by inspectors certified by the Wisconsin Economic
however, the current lack of information for making a Development Corporation.
building solar ready has significantly hampered the growth 3. Establish and collect fees to defray administrative
of solar ready buildings in the City of Milwaukee. By and enforcement costs.
providing key information in one code, building owners
and contractors will be able to more easily decide to 4. Establish remedies and penalties for violations.
make their building solar ready by being informed about
ABC 123.03 Adoption of Codes – The following
the regulations.
Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Codes, including all
referenced codes and standards, and future amendments
CODE thereto, are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth
herein, copies thereof being on file in the Department of
Chapter ABC 123 City Development:
SOLAR READY BUILDINGS SPS 371 Solar Energy Systems

Subchapter I – Administration ABC 123.04 Solar Energy System Description –
A solar energy system is defined for the purpose of this
ABC 123.01 Scope – This code applies to all newly code as a solar electric, also known as a photovoltaic or
constructed and retrofitted dwellings, public buildings, and PV, system.
places of employment.
1. A solar electric system produces electricity that
ABC 123.02 Intent and Purpose – The intent and is distributed to the building via the main electrical
purpose of this code is to: panel, offsetting electric energy that would otherwise
1. Protect the health, safety and welfare of the be purchased from the utility. It consists of two primary
public by establishing minimum standards for the design, components:
construction, maintenance, and inspection of solar ready a. Photovoltaic panels, which are commonly installed
24

on the roof; and a. In instances where the inverter and main service
b. An inverter, which converts direct current electricity panel cannot be located directly below the solar array,
produced by the panels into alternating current electricity these components must be in a location having a direct
that can be used by the building. vertical direction to the solar array.

Subchapter II – Site Planning for New Construction ABC 123.07 Roof Requirements - Roofs must allow
for continuous space with solar access and must be able
ABC 123.05 Solar Access - Maximizing access to solar to support solar arrays.
energy is critical to future installations of solar energy 1. Materials
systems.
a. Roof types allowed:
1. The impact of surrounding buildings and vegetation i. Flat roofs
on and off-site must be considered when determining if
sufficient solar access is available. 1. Membrane roofing is preferred.
2. Built up roofing can be accommodated after a 2 - 3
2. Building height and roof projections must be built year curing process.
to maximize the amount of solar access for a future solar
energy system. ii. Sloped roofs
a. Building height is subject to restrictions specific to 1. Standing seam metal roofing is preferred.
the zone in which the parcel is located. 2. Asphalt roofing can be accommodated.
3. Building orientation must allow for a future solar b. Roof types not allowed:
energy system to have a southern, western, or eastern i. Ballasted roofing systems
aspect. ii. Tile roofs
Subchapter III - Structural Requirements for New 2. Pitch
Construction and Retrofits a. Pitched roofs must maintain an angle of 25-45
ABC 123.06 Space Requirements - Adequate spacing degrees to maximize solar absorption.
for installation and maintenance of all future solar energy b. 12:12 pitch is not required but will provide the
system components, including inverters, disconnects, and greatest number of options for future installations.
solar arrays, is to be provided.
3. Continuous area
1. A minimum wall space of 3’ by 3’ and a clear floor a. Between 200 - 400 square feet of continuous roof
area of 3’ wide must be provided for the inverter and AC surface must be available for future installations.
disconnect.
4. Obstructions
2. The inverter and main service panel should be
located directly below the roof location of the future solar a. All obstructions, including exhaust vents, chimneys,
array. and gables, should be located on the north side of a
pitched roof.
25

b. Obstructions should be kept clear of the continuous connecting the solar array and main service panel.
surface referenced above.
ABC 123.09 Electrical Requirements
5. Structure
1. Electrical Panel
a. The roof must be able to support a load of 30 - 40
psf in the area reserved for the future solar array. a. Space for a power input breaker must be provided
in the electrical panel.
6. Mounting Systems b. Current ratings supplied to the electrical panel
a. Pitched roofs must comply with NEC 690.64(B) guidelines.
i. Standing seam metal roofs 2. Breaker Box
1. S-5 clips must be attached to the raised seam. a. Space for a solar electric feed breaker must be
2. Roof penetrations must be sealed. provided in the breaker box.
ii. Composite asphalt shingle roofs 3. Production Meter
1. Stand-off brackets must be bolted to structural a. Space for a production meter must be provided
members. adjacent to the electrical panel.
2. Roof penetrations must be sealed.
4. Solar Electrical System Grounding
b. Flat roofs
a. Grounding wire meeting UL 467 requirements must
i. Mounting systems are not required to be pre- be provided.
installed.
ii. Curb mounts may be installed. Subchapter III – Permits

7. Roof Lifetime and Warranty ABC 123.10 General Provisions

a. The lifetime of the roof should be long enough 1. All Installations – All solar ready installations that
to accommodate the average lifespan of a solar energy are part of a new construction or retrofitting project will
system. be processed in conjunction with the other work being
b. The roof manufacturer and installer warranties must permitted.
provide provisions for solar ready constructions. ABC 123.11 Application Process – All solar ready
Subchapter IV Mechanical and Electrical installations shall be submitted for permit review.
Requirements for New Construction and Retrofits 1. All permits for new construction and retrofits are
ABC 123.08 Mechanical Requirements required to be processed through the City of Milwaukee
Department of City Development located at 809 N.
1. Metal Conduit Broadway Milwaukee, WI 53202 on the first floor.
a. A minimum 2” empty metal conduit must be installed 2. A building permit and an electrical permit will be
26

created at the time of the visit. A permit technician will sheathing are not considered structural members.
evaluate the plans for completeness, and if complete,
a building permit file will be created to document all 2. Electrical Plan – submittal documents shall
necessary reviews and approvals. include:
a. System configuration;
3. After the initial permits have been created, the
applicant will proceed through the planning and zoning b. Site drawings showing locations of inverter and
and plan review departments to verify that the design main service panel; and
meets all of the necessary requirements. c. Conduit sizes and routing.

4. In more complex cases, it may be necessary for a Subchapter IV – Inspections
particular project to be reviewed more closely before a
The following inspections will be required for the
permit can be issued.After all necessary reviews have been
installation of all solar energy systems unless notified as
completed the applicant will be notified of any additional
exempt.
questions, or the reviews will be approved. The applicant
will be notified when the permit has been approved. ABC 123.13 Building – Building inspections are required
to verify that the solar support system is properly installed.
5. The permits will be issued after all permit fees have
been paid. 1. Two building inspections, listed in order, are required
to verify that the roof has been installed properly:
ABC 123.12 Permit Submittal Requirements –
The following information shall be submitted for each a. Final Structural
respective permit as noted. b. Final Building
1. Building Plan – submittal documents shall include: 2. For new construction or for permits that include
a. A framing plan showing and specifying existing additional work beyond the installation of the solar ready
and new framing providing support. components additional work may be required.
b. Construction details of anchorage, interconnection ABC 123.14 Electrical – The inspection will verify that
of elements and weather proofing of roof perforations as the circuits and feeders have been installed properly and
applicable. the solar energy system can be connected properly.
c. Structural calculations verifying capacity of roof to
1. Three electrical inspections, listed in order, are
resist vertical and lateral loads.
required to verify that the system has been installed
d. A building plan review and permit are required for properly:
all ballasted installations.
a. Circuits/Feeders
e. All non-ballasted installations shall specify the
b. Permanent Electrical Service/Reconnect
method of mechanical attachment to supporting structural
elements, including but not limited to roof rafters, trusses, c. Final Electrical
purlins, beams, and blocking. Plywood sheathing and spaced
27

Subchapter V – Fees
MODEL FOR WISCONSIN
Fees for all required building and electrical permits will
Solar ready buildings differ greatly from solar electric
be calculated using the current and applicable Department
buildings in that the photovoltaic (PV) system is not
of City Development fee schedule.
yet installed. However, solar ready buildings have the
Subchapter VI – Enforcement infrastructure in place to support a PV system should
the building owner ever decide to take that step. More
All code requirements shall be in accordance with the solar ready buildings may lead to more solar installations
applicable permitting and inspection procedures. within the city over the next few years. As the leader in
Wisconsin for solar ready buildings, Milwaukee will likely
IMPLEMENTATION be emulated by other municipalities wishing to implement
similar building codes. Again, it will be very important for
Implementation steps for the solar ready building code the Office of Environmental Sustainability to collect data
should follow those of the solar building code. A review on solar ready buildings before and after the code made
should be done by staff from the Department of City law to determine if it does have any effect on the amount
Development to determine compliance with current of solar ready buildings and solar installations within the
ordinances. Afterwards, city council will have to adopt city. In order for other Wisconsin municipalities to follow
the code during one of its meetings. Again, the Office Milwaukee’s lead, a successful outcome is critical.
of Environmental Sustainability should take the lead in
these efforts and maintain open communication with the
Department of Community Development to determine
which parts of the code may not be working and need
modification.

28

MODEL ORDINANCE
Having solar and solar ready building codes on the books provided with adequate flashing. The conduit shall not
may not be enough to cause a significant increase in solar be located on or in the direction of a north-facing roof.
installations in the City of Milwaukee. In order to have a
meaningful increase in solar installations and solar ready Sufficient access and working space shall be provided
buildings, an ordinance mandating solar ready requirements and maintained around all electrical equipment to permit
should be imposed. Requiring new buildings and large- safe installation, operation and maintenance of a solar
scale remodels to incorporate solar ready requirements energy system. A minimum of 3’ by 3’ of wall space and
will cause a large increase in solar ready buildings and, 3’ of floor space shall be provided for a future inverter
potentially, solar installations. near the main service panel.
Service equipment shall be sized and space provided so
ORDINANCE that one 240 volt circuit breaker may be back-fed from
a photovoltaic system.
City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Municipal Code (2012) New building construction and major remodels where
Title XX Buildings and Construction the roof and/or electrical systems are affected shall
follow roof and electrical system guidelines as stated
Chapter XX.XX Electrical Code and Regulations in the City of Milwaukee’s Solar Ready Building Code
Section XX.XX.XXX Photovoltaic Pre-Wiring (Chapter 123).
Requirements
No building permit shall be issued unless the
New buildings and major remodels, whereby more than requirements of this section are incorporated into the
fifty percent of the existing interior and/or exterior walls approved building plans.
are removed, shall include electrical conduit for the future
installation of a solar energy system. Owners of existing The provisions of this chapter can be modified or
buildings who wish to make their property solar-ready are waived when it can be satisfactorily demonstrated to
subject to the same requirements. The property owner the Building Official that the requirements of this section
shall follow the requirements below: are impractical due to shading, building orientation,
construction constraints or configuration of the parcel.
Installation of 2” minimum conduit leading from an
exterior south-facing, east-facing, or west-facing roof, (Ord. XXXX § X, 2012)
where a minimum of four hours of direct sunlight is
achieved, to a stubbed junction box next to the main
service panel. All exposed conduit shall be capped and

29

MODEL FOR WISCONSIN
Other Wisconsin cities that are serious about increasing
solar ready buildings and solar installations within their
communities may wish to adopt a similar ordinance.
Because the ordinance is likely to be more difficult to gain
city council approval than the building codes, other cities
may only adopt certain parts of the ordinance or make it
less aggressive. Like the building codes, it will be essential
to collect data on the effects of the ordinance in order to
prevent it from being repealed.
Once other cities see that the ordinance is successful at
increasing solar ready buildings and solar installations, they
will be more likely to adopt a similar ordinance. If the City
of Milwaukee adopts a solar ready ordinance it is likely to
become an example for other Midwestern cities looking
IMPLEMENTATION to increase solar ready buildings within their jurisdictions.

It will be very important for the Office of Environmental
Sustainability to perform its due diligence in assuring that
the model ordinance will be able to pass with city council’s
approval. Working closely with the Department of City
Development to determine if the ordinance violates any
current city ordinances or state statutes is the first step.
Next, the Office of Environmental Sustainability should
gather evidence from other cities that have implemented
similar ordinances to support its case when it brings
the ordinance to city council. Using the case studies in
this report would be a good starting point. Emphasizing
the escape clause at the end of the ordinance will be
important when selling it to alderpersons who may find
it too oppressive. As with the building codes, the Office
of Environmental Sustainability must take the lead to
see that the ordinance is passed and to maintain good
communication with the Department of City Development.
Modifications should be made as necessary.
30

SOLAR BUILDING
CHECKLIST
Below is the proposed Solar Building Checklist. The the City of Milwaukee. The intent of the checklist is to
checklist is based off of the proposed Solar Building Code, assist residents with building a solar project and to guide
Solar Ready Building Code, and Model Ordinance. If changes them through the permitting and approval processes. The
to the ordinance or either code occur, the Solar Building checklist has been designed to reflect the differences
Checklist should be modified to reflect those changes. between residential and non-residential projects as well
The Solar Building Checklist has been created as a guide as the differences between new construction and existing
for property owners, developers, and project managers in properties or retrofits.
Non-Res: New

Non-Res: Ex.

Please mark all boxes that apply to your project. If documentation is required to prove compliance,
Res: New

please include all necessary materials along with your application and this checklist.
Res: Ex.

SOLAR ACCESS

Document impact (if any) to surrounding buildings and vegetation with photos and a brief explanation.

Building height and roof projections must be built to maximize the amount of solar access for a future
solar energy system.
Installation height may exceed the maximum height in the zoning code if (a) for flat roofs or the horizontal
portion of mansard roofs, the panels may extend up to 7’ above the highest point of the roof or (b) for
pitched, hipped, or gambrel roofs, the panels must be mounted no more than 12” from the surface of the
roof at any point, and may not extend above the ridgeline of the roof (12” is measured from the upper side
of the solar panel).

Building orientation must allow for a future solar energy system to have a southern, western, or
eastern aspect.

SPACE

A minimum wall space of 3’ by 3’ and a clear floor area of 3’ wide must be provided for the inverter
and AC disconnect.
31

The inverter and main service panel should be located directly below the roof location of the future
solar array.
In instances where the inverter and main service panel cannot be located directly below the solar array, these
components must be in a location having a direct vertical direction to the solar array.

ROOF

Must be a flat or sloped roof.
Flat: membrane roofing preferred; built up roofing can be accommodated after a 2-3 year curing
process.
Sloped: standard seam metal roofing preferred; asphalt roofing can be accommodated.

Pitched roofs must maintain an angle of 25-45 degrees to maximize solar absorption.
12:12 pitch is not required but will provide the greatest number of options for future installations.

Between 200 - 400 square feet of continuous roof surface must be available for future installations.

All obstructions, including exhaust vents, chimneys, and gables, should be located on the north side of
a pitched roof.
Obstructions should be kept clear of the continuous surface referenced above.
The roof must be able to support a load of 30 - 40 psf in the area reserved for the future solar array.

Mounting system:
Pitched roofs: (a) standing seam metal roofs: S-5 clips must be attached to the raised seam and roof
penetrations must be sealed, (b) composite asphalt shingle roofs: stand-off brackets must be bolted
to structural members and roof penetrations must be sealed.
Flat roofs: (a) mounting systems are not required to be pre-installed (curb mounts may be installed).

The lifetime of the roof should be long enough to accommodate the average lifespan of a solar energy
system.

The roof manufacturer and installer warranties must provide provisions for solar ready constructions.

MECHANICAL

A minimum 2” empty metal conduit must be installed connecting the solar array and main service
panel.

ELECTRICAL

Space for a power input breaker must be provided in the electrical panel.
32

Current ratings supplied to the electrical panel must comply with NEC 690.64(B) guidelines.

Space for a solar electric feed breaker must be provided in the breaker box.

Space for a production meter must be provided adjacent to the electrical panel.

Grounding wire meeting UL 467 requirements must be provided.

SOLAR SYSTEM

Solar energy equipment, including the rails and panels, are subject to the height limitations of the
specific zone in which they are being installed.

Roof-mounted solar panels are not included in height calculations, and may exceed the maximum
height of the zone if the following are met:
For flat roofs or the horizontal portion of mansard roofs, the panels may extend up to five (5) feet above the
highest point of the roof.
For pitched, hipped, or gambrel roofs, the panels must be mounted no more than twelve (12) inches from the
surface of the roof at any point, and may not extend above the ridgeline of the roof. The twelve (12) inches
is measured from the upper side of the solar panel.

Solar collectors and underlying substructure (mounts, rails, etc.) must be designed in accordance with
the requirements of the latest version of State of Wisconsin Solar Energy Systems Code (SPS 371).

OTHER

All work must be compliant with current zoning regulations.
Building plans are drawn to City’s required standards.
A framing plan showing and specifying existing and new framing providing support
Construction details of anchorage, interconnection of elements, and weather proofing of roof perforations
Structural calculations verifying capacity of roof to resist vertical and lateral loads
A building plan review and permit are required for all ballasted installations
All non-ballasted installations shall specify the method of mechanical attachment to supporting structural
elements, including but not limited to roof rafters, trusses, purlins, beams, and blocking. Plywood sheathing
and spaced sheathing are not considered structural members.

Electrical plans are drawn to City’s required standards.
System configuration
Site drawings showing locations of inverter and main service panel
Conduit sizes and routing
33

FAST TRACKING METHOD B: Fast Tracking With an Enforceable Solar
Building Code in Place
The City of Milwaukee could use the Solar Building Checklist If the City of Milwaukee has an enforceable solar building
as an incentive tool.This tool would allow projects utilizing code in place, the Solar Building Checklist could serve
the checklist to receive priority treatment. Since the Solar as an optional incentive tool. The checklist must reflect
Building Checklist may be implemented with or without the current solar building code regulations. Projects using
an enforceable building code, fast tracking, or priority the tool and meeting all required solar building code
incentives, must reflect the status of the building code. regulations will be fast tracked ahead of projects not using
the solar building code checklist. Since the solar building
METHOD A: Fast Tracking Without an Enforceable Solar
code in place would be enforceable, projects would not
Building Code in Place
be encouraged to submit an application with a checklist
If the City of Milwaukee does not have an enforceable meeting less than 100% of the required items.
solar building code in place, the Solar Building Checklist
could serve as an optional incentive tool. Projects that
choose to use the Solar Building Checklist will receive MODEL FOR WISCONSIN
administrative priority over those projects without the
The Solar Building Checklist could serve as a model for
Solar Building Checklist. Additionally, projects will be
other municipalities in Wisconsin as well as other states.
prioritized based on the number of items accomplished
This tool would be especially useful for municipalities
on the Solar Building Checklist.
without a solar building code or other method of
EXAMPLE enforcement in place. Additionally, this could serve as a
first step towards getting an enforceable solar building
Project A: uses checklist and accomplishes 75% of items
code in place.
Project B: uses checklist and accomplishes 100% of items
For example, a municipality without an enforceable solar
Project C: does not use checklist
building code in place could use the checklist as a “trial
Project B would be fast tracked to the front of the line run” for solar projects. The “trial run” would enable the
because more items were accomplished on the checklist municipality to work out any issues with the checklist
than Project A. Project A would be fast tracked ahead of process and modify the checklist items to best fit the
Project C because Project C did not use the checklist. community. Working out issues before writing and
enforcing a solar building code would ensure a smoother
The fast tracking process must respect projects that are implementation process for government officials and
already “in line.” Project B would be fast tracked past all residents.
projects meeting less than 100% of the checklist items but
it would not be given an advantage over projects that were
previously submitted and also met 100% of the items. If
a tie occurs, the date of project submittal will be the tie-
breaker.

34

SOLAR CERTIFICATION
PROGRAM
To increase awareness of Milwaukee’s solar initiatives Applications will be available for download on the City
and celebrate property owner’s who have installed of Milwaukee’s Office of Sustainability website. Applicants
solar systems, we recommend implementing a Solar may download the application in Excel or PDF format.
Certification Program. The Solar Certification Program The Excel-based application is designed to auto-calculate
could also be used as a marketing program for the City line items for the applicant. Applicant’s using the PDF-
and property owners. based application will be required to perform their own
calculations.
Similar to the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification Applicants will be required to fill out property details,
Program, the Solar Certification Program will consist of general information, and building code information. Line
multiple certification levels and would require a formal items relating to energy and the environment are optional.
application process. The City of Milwaukee’s Office of
Sustainability will be the administrative and fiscal agency
charged with overseeing and implementing the Solar CERTIFICATION LEVELS
Certification Program. Applicants scoring in the following ranges will receive
either gold, silver, or bronze level certifications. Certified
APPLICATION PROCESS properties will receive a certificate from the City and will
also be eligible to order a building plaque for the property.
The Solar Certification Program application process will
be as simple and as straightforward as possible. However,
to ensure that the process is fair and the certification
Gold SOLAR Gold Rating

holds meaning, applicants will be required to substantiate
Rating
MKE [2012] 150+ points

all claims made on applications. Requiring applicants to
substantiate claims will reduce the chance of fraud.
Silver SOLAR Silver Rating
All property owners in the City of Milwaukee will be eligible
Rating
MKE [2012] 115 - 149 points
to apply to the program. Only the applicants meeting
minimum requirements will be awarded certifications.
Applicants not receiving certification status may make an
Bronze SOLAR Bronze Rating
appeal with the Office of Sustainability.
Rating
MKE [2012] 80 - 114 points
35

The cost of the plaque will not be covered by the City and can market for-sale properties as being Gold, Silver, or
must be paid by the applicant. Bronze Rated. This may entice buyers who are looking
to reduce utility costs or who are environmentally
Applicants are required to reapply every five years to conscious.
prove that their property is still in compliance. Properties
may have their certification upgraded or downgraded City of Milwaukee: The City of Milwaukee can use
based on performance. Additionally, property owners may the number of certified properties as bragging rights
reapply at any time if upgrades made to the property post- and to help obtain additional solar funding or grants.
application will qualify the property for a new certification
level. Installers: Installers could advertise the number of
solar certified properties they have worked on or
For example, if a property owner applies to the program have assisted property owners obtain certification.
and receives 147 points (Silver Rating) and installs a passive
solar system one year after filing an application which If Milwaukee’s Solar Certification Program is adopted in
would then qualify the property owner for 150 points, the other areas, additional marketing opportunities will be
property owner may reapply for a Gold Rating. available.
Municipalities: Municipalities in Wisconsin could use
MODEL FOR WISCONSIN the number of solar properties as bragging rights or
to position themselves for obtaining new solar-based
Milwaukee’s Solar Certification Program could be used as a businesses or industries.
model for other municipalities in Wisconsin. Municipalities
could use the same certification spreadsheet, modified State of Wisconsin: Similar to municipalities, the State
to their municipality’s code requirements. Municipalities of Wisconsin could use the number of solar certified
could also use the same certification levels for uniform properties in the state to position Wisconsin as a
recognition (i.e., a Gold Rating in Milwaukee is equivalent leader in solar energy and solar-based businesses and
to a Gold Rating in Madison). The certification level logos industries.
could be modified to reflect each municipality (e.g., SOLAR
Shorewood) or to reflect the state (e.g., SOLAR WI).

MARKETING
OPPORTUNITIES
A Solar Certification Program would provide several
marketing opportunities for property owners, the City of
Milwaukee, and installers.
Property Owners: Property owners and developers
36

CERTIFICATION WORKSHEET [summary]
City of Milwaukee Office of Sustainability Application No.: 0
Solar Certification Checklist Date: 1/0/1900
*See Appendix C for all spreadsheet tabs.
TOTALS (details)
Total Possible Points Total
Item # Description
Res-New Res-Ex NonRes-New NonRes-Ex Points
GENERAL
G-R-1.1 Main Building Roof Orientation or Location of Accessible Ground Space
2 2 2 2 0
(South = 2, West or East = 1, North = 0)
G-R-1.2 Accessory Building Roof Orientation (South = 2, West or East = 1, North
2 2 2 2 0
= 0)
G-R-1.3 Ratio of Usable Roof Space : Installation Size (1 or less = 2, >1 and <2
2 2 2 2 0
=1, >2 = 0)
G-R-2.1 Solar District (Yes = 1, No = 0) 1 1 1 1 0
G-R-2.2 Incentive District (Yes = 1, No = 0) 1 1 1 1 0
G-R-3.1 Type of Solar (PV = 5, Hot Water = 3, Passive = 1) 9 9 9 9 0
Solar system was installed by NABCEP (North American Board of Certified
G-R-3.2 3 3 3 3 0
Energy Practitioners) certified installer(Yes = 3, No = 0)
BUILDING CODE
BC-R-1.1
1 1 1 1 0
Installation Height (Less than maximum =1, Greater than maximum = 0)
BC-R-1.2 Design Review (Yes = 1, No = 0) 1 1 1 1 0
BC-R-1.3 Structural Review (Yes = 1, No = 0) 1 1 1 1 0
BC-R-1.4 Electrical Review (Yes = 1, No = 0) 1 1 1 1 0
BC-R-2.1 Permits Secured (Yes = 1, No = 0) 1 1 1 1 0
BC-R-2.2 Building Plan on File (Yes = 1, No = 0) 1 1 1 1 0
BC-R-2.3 Electrical Plans on File (Yes = 1, No = 0) 1 1 1 1 0
BC-R-3.1 Number of Outstanding Code Violations (-1 per violation, None = 1) 1 1 1 1 0
ORDINANCE
O-R-1.1 Conduit Installed in Building (Yes = 1, No = 0) 1 1 0
O-R-1.2 Maintenance Access Provided (Yes = 1, No = 0) 1 1 1 1 0
ENERGY
En-B-1.1 Insulation in Livable Spaces (R-value > 18 = 3, R-value between 10 and
3 3 3 3 0
17 = 1, R-value < 10 = 0)
En-B-1.2 Shadings / Overhangs (Yes = 1, No = 0) 1 1 1 1 0 37
En-B-1.3 Skylights (Yes = 1, No = 0) 1 1 1 1 0

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