Solar energy will play an increasingly important role in Greensboro's efforts to become a more sustainable city. This page serves as a centralized hub for information about all aspects of developing and using solar energy in Greensboro.

SolSmart

Greensboro is receiving technical assistance from the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (commonly known as NC CleanTech) to become designated in the SolSmart program,  funded by the US Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office.       

SolSmart recognizes local and regional governments that foster the growth of solar energy development and adoption by reducing unnecessary paperwork, red tape, and other burdensome requirements that increase the time and cost to deliver solar projects. Greensboro has received Bronze designation in the SolSmart program.

Solar RoadMap

To expand solar energy development in Greensboro, an online information hub called Solar RoadMap has been created. The site offers online tools and resources to help make solar energy easier, faster, and more cost-effective for Greensboro businesses and residents. 

Project SunRoof

To get a sense of the solar energy potential of your home or business, explore Google's Project SunRoof.

Glossary of Solar Energy Terms

Learn more about the many terms related to the principles and technologies of solar energy, with this Glossary of Solar Energy Terms 

Your Solar Project

Ready to get started on your own solar energy project? The City's Development Services office can help you navigate the process. These resources can help:

• Solar Panel Installation - Required steps by the City and your contractor.
• Development Services
• Fire Permits and Plan Reviews
• Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Power Systems permit application form
• Energy Efficiency (including Solar) Rebates form to request partial rebate of permit fees
• Zoning Requirements Fact Sheet for small-scale (under 15 kW) ground-mounted and roof-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays and storage.

City Government Solar Projects

Greensboro has completed numerous solar energy projects at City facilities and more projects are being planned. Here’s a quick summary of what has been accomplished so far:

• Publicly available solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations – Installed at the Federal Place/Washington Street parking lot
• 4.8 Megawatt ground-mounted solar PV array – Installed, owned, and operated by private firm ReNew Petra on land leased from the City at the White Street Landfill
• 100 Kilowatt rooftop solar PV array – Installed at the J. Douglas Galyon Depot to power the rapid chargers for the City's fleet of electric buses
• 11 Kilowatt rooftop solar PV array – Installed at Fire Station #63
• 8 Kilowatt rooftop solar PV array – Installed at the Gateway Gardens Visitor Center
• Rooftop solar PV powered lighting – Installed on Greensboro Transit Authority bus shelters
• Rooftop solar thermal arrays – Installed at several Fire Stations (#2, #5, #11, #17, #19, #21, #43, #52, #57, #59, and #61), GTA Administration Building, Melvin Municipal Office Building, and Public Safety Training Facility
• Solar PV powered lighting and “Big Belly” compacting trash cans – Installed along Phase 1A of the Downtown Greenway between E. Gate City Boulevard and Spring Garden Street.

J. Douglas Galyon Depot
(photo by Sergey Kobelev)

Gateway Gardens Visitors Center