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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
West Lafayette, IND – The City of West Lafayette is proud to announce that it has received the prestigious SolSmart Silver Designation honor from the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), recognizing the City's commitment to accelerating the growth of solar energy and making it easier for residents and businesses to go solar. Notably, West Lafayette is the first city in Indiana to elevate its status from Bronze to Silver, setting a new standard for solar progress in the state.
SolSmart, a national program led by IREC, recognizes communities that have taken bold steps to remove barriers to rooftop solar energy adoption, streamline permitting processes, and foster local solar market growth. The Silver designation places West Lafayette among a select group of forward-thinking communities nationwide that are leading the way toward a clean energy future.
"Receiving the SolSmart Silver designation is a testament to West Lafayette’s dedication to sustainability and innovation," said Clara Lotz, Climate Resiliency & Sustainability Officer. “We are committed to making clean, renewable energy accessible for everyone, and this recognition reflects our progress in building a more resilient and equitable community.”
IREC, a trusted leader in clean energy since 1982, works to build the foundation for rapid adoption of clean energy and energy efficiency. Its vision is a 100% clean energy future that is reliable, resilient, and equitable for all. Through SolSmart, IREC helps local governments implement best practices, update policies, and provide resources to promote solar energy.
City of West Lafayette’s achievements include:
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Streamlining rooftop solar permitting and inspection processes
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Providing clear information and resources for solar customers
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Supporting workforce development in clean energy
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Encouraging rooftop solar development through local policies and initiatives
The City of West Lafayette is committed to reducing its operation emissions as well as encouraging residents to do the same. In 2025, rooftop solar has been installed on the John R. Dennis Wellness Center, Street & Sanitation, and Fire Station 3, with two more installations coming to the West Lafayette Public Library and City Hall. The City’s efforts will help lower energy costs, create local jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions—benefiting residents, the economy, and the planet.
For more information about SolSmart and the City of West Lafayette’s clean energy initiatives, visit our Sustainability webpage, or the SolSmart Community Map at https://energy-ready.org/communities?filterStates%5B%5D=178#community-map.
Media Contact:
West Lafayette Communications Department
communications@westlafayette.in.gov
About IREC:
The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) is a nonprofit organization that builds the foundation for the rapid adoption of clean energy and energy efficiency to benefit people, the economy, and our planet. Since 1982, IREC has provided independent expertise to advance regulatory reforms, technical standards, and workforce solutions for a 100% clean energy future.
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