Libertyville Gets Nod For Solar Power Efforts

LIBERTYVILLE, IL — Libertyville has received a bronze designation from SolSmart, which is a national designation program recognizing cities, counties, and regional organizations that make it easier for businesses and residents to utilize solar energy.

Since the program launched in 2016, more than 380 cities, counties, and regional organizations in 41 states achieved SolSmart designation.

Among the reasons SolSmart granted Libertyville a bronze designation include the village's effort to create an online permitting checklist, which was meant to increase the transparency for community members and solar installers; and reviewing local zoning codes and identifying restrictions that intentionally or unintentionally prohibit solar PV development, according to the SolSmart website.

Libertyville first became a SolSmart community in May 2019.

Illinois leads the nation with 45 SolSmart designees. Here is a look at the other designees in Lake County:

• Gold designees: Waukegan and Beach Park
• Silver designees: Lake County, Hawthorn Woods and Deer Park
• Bronze designees: Lake Forest, Highland Park, Round Lake Beach and Grayslake.