Athens City Council discusses solar panels, renewable energy

Athens Mayor Steve Patterson discussed solar panels and other forms of renewable energy at the Athens City Council meeting on Monday evening. 

An amendment to the city’s zoning code was proposed to alter the current regulations, permitting citizens and businesses to request permits to mount solar panels on their roofs and promoting solar energy accessibility in general.

Athens has self-identified as a solar-friendly community for years, even becoming a Sol-Smart designated community in 2017. 

According to Patterson, the Sol-Smart designation is awarded to “communities that have gone the extra mile to cut through the red tape for residential solar energy.” Largely supported by Patterson, the City of Athens has attempted to promote the accessibility of renewable energy options, specifically solar energy. 

The current Athens City Zoning Code does not allow for residents of the city to obtain permits to mount solar panels on their roofs, among other vague terms for individuals to obtain renewable energy sources for their residences or businesses.

However, the City Planning Commission offered City Council some specific recommendations when it comes to altering the city’s zoning code. The proposed amendment included specific language allowing for the inclusion of accessory energy systems, something that had been missing from the current zoning rules. 

This proposal would essentially mean that residents of Athens would be able to request a permit to mount solar panels on their roofs. It would also make renewable energy more accessible for businesses.

“This is another step down the path to make it easier for our residents to install solar, whether it be ground mount or roof mount solar, on their properties,” Patterson said. “The timing couldn’t be better for this to move forward with people being able to take advantage of the Inflation Reduction Act tax credits for solar.”

Solar Tax Credit is a part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a 10-year program that lowers the costs of prescription drugs, health care and energy. The IRA also provides a financial incentive for people to pursue renewable energy in their own lives. Citizens who have qualifying forms of renewable energy on their property can apply for a Residential Clean Energy Credit off their federal income tax.

“It was pretty serendipitous that this all aligned itself at the same time as the Inflation Reduction Act,” Patterson said, referring to the proposed amendment to the city’s code.

There was no vote on this legislation during the meeting. However this amendment, if passed, would give residents of Athens more access to renewable energy, promoting the use of renewable energy moving forward.