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Solar Energy

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The Village of Hillside is currently participating in the SolSmart program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative, which helps local governments reduce barriers to solar energy growth and makes it easier for homes and businesses to go solar.

Village of Hillside Solar Policy Statement

The Village of Hillside is a SolSmart designated community indicating the village is “open for solar business.”

The Village of Hillside has committed to improving solar market conditions, making it faster, easier, and more affordable for our residents and businesses to install solar energy systems. As a signatory to MMC’s Greenest Region Compact (GRC), we formally support the following solar goals and have and will continue to work to achieve them both in our own communities and collaboration throughout the region.These high-level goals are:

Energy Goals

  • Advance renewable energy
  • Enact policies that support clean energy
  • Engage the community in clean energy practices

The GRC Framework, a companion tool to the Greenest Region Compact pledge, aligns with SolSmart program guidelines. We have focused on the following objectives and strategies common to both the GRC Framework with SolSmart objectives.

With the help of SolSmart and MMC, we have reviewed zoning requirements and taken the appropriate actions to remove barriers to solar development.We have also created and distributed a checklist detailing the steps of our permitting process for solar development) consistent with GRC Framework objectives* E13; E13a; E25)

In collaboration with MMC, we have participated in staff training for inspectors, planners and first-responders and have dedicated efforts to educate the community about solar energy (*E33) through our website, newspaper and community events.

*reference number from GRC2 Framework.

In order to measure progress along the way, key metrics related to solar energy deployment, such as the number and location of solar installations and their capacity, are tracked regularly.

Required Submittals for Plan Review, Permitting, & Application Checklist

  1. Copy of Plat of Survey for applicant property
  2. Applicable Building Permit, Electrical Permit and/or Plumbing Permit application forms
  3. Contractor Requirements inclusive of, Electrical Contractor License, State of Illinois Plumbing License (if applicable), certificate of insurance, $ 10,000 license and permit bond with required hold harmless clause and $ 55.00 contractor license fee
  4. Elevation drawings depicting location and layout of solar panels
  5. Structural and load calculations signed and sealed by Structural Engineer or Architect that certifies that the roof is structurally sound and will bear weight of the SES
  6. Electrical diagram showing: PV Array configuration, wiring system, overcurrent protection, inverter disconnect, grounding, required safety signs and AC connection
  7. Construction plans inclusive of SES mounting and anchoring system, panel layout, electrical diagram and plumbing diagram (if applicable)
  8. Specification sheets and installation manuals for all major SES components including: PV modules, inverters, combiner box, disconnect and mounting system
  9. Utility provider notification must be provided at time of permit submittal. The notification shall include evidence that the utility company has been notified of the customers intent to install a solar energy system

Consumer Protection and Resources

Resources for residents and businesses interested in installing solar.

Solar Potential

Find out solar potential for our community.

Find an Installer

Verify that you are using a certified, trusted installer.

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