Solar Energy Leadership Recognized: Pico Rivera Receives Solsmart Gold Designation
Pico Rivera Achieves SolSmart Gold Designation, Recognizing Solar-Friendly Efforts
The City of Pico Rivera received a Gold designation from the SolSmart program on April 24, 2025, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to renewable energy and sustainability. This prestigious award recognizes Pico Rivera for its efforts in making it faster, easier, and more affordable to go solar.
The SolSmart program, led by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), provides no-cost technical assistance and recognizes communities that implement best practices to reduce barriers to solar energy development. The Gold designation indicates that Pico Rivera has implemented local policies, practices, and procedures that encourage solar energy adoption through streamlined permitting, improved community engagement, and supportive regulatory frameworks.
This designation is particularly significant as Pico Rivera is the first City in California to receive this honor since 2023 and the first Gateway City ever to achieve the Gold level designation. The city was selected among 27 cities within the Gateway Cities region for this prestigious award.
Pico Rivera's City Manager, Steve Carmona, stated that the designation reflects the City's commitment to environmental leadership, sustainability, and equity for the community. Deb Perry, Clean Energy Program Director at ICMA, commended Pico Rivera on their Gold designation, stating that they serve as a shining example of a community dedicated to increasing energy options and removing barriers to solar energy.
Leslie Graham, IREC's Vice President of Development, highlighted the efforts of city staff in updating the website, attending trainings, and adopting automated solar permitting as significant contributions to achieving the Gold designation. The City's Power Choice program, offered through Pico Rivera Innovative Municipal Energy (PRIME), played a major role in achieving this Gold status. The Power Choice program provides Pico Rivera residents and businesses with access to solar energy and battery storage systems, offering them no upfront costs and no credit check required.
In addition to the SolSmart Gold designation, Pico Rivera was also recognized for its leadership in sustainability and innovation across the Gateway Cities Region. On December 15, 2021, Dr. Monica Sanchez was sworn in as Pico Rivera Mayor, and Erik Lutz was appointed Mayor Pro Tem during the same reorganization. The City was also the recipient of the 2024 Energy Action Platinum Award, the highest distinction recognizing energy efficiency, although this award is not related to the SolSmart program.
The events occurred in separate instances, with the Energy Action Award announcement on January 31, 2025, and the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem appointments on December 15, 2021. It is clear that Pico Rivera's proactive efforts to foster solar energy growth are being recognized both nationally and locally, demonstrating leadership in clean energy adoption.
- The City Council of Pico Rivera, in collaboration with the local government, is encouraged to continue supporting renewable energy events, such as industry seminars and awareness campaigns, to further promote solar energy adoption.
- The success achieved by Pico Rivera in becoming a SolSmart Gold city can serve as a model for other cities, spurring community news stories about the benefits of solar energy for the environment and weather-resilient economic growth.
- Environmental-science experts are invited to participate in events that discuss climate-change solutions in Pico Rivera, emphasizing the role of solar energy in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating its impacts.
- Financial institutions in the city should consider providing incentives for renewable-energy projects and initiatives, partnering with Pico Rivera to invest in a greener future and support the city's clean energy goals.
- Events showcasing Pico Rivera's leading role in solar energy across California and the Gateway Cities Region can attract environmental-science enthusiasts and industry professionals, promoting knowledge sharing and fostering a more sustainable community.
- The combination of Pico Rivera's SolSmart Gold designation, Power Choice program, and Energy Action Platinum Award highlights the city's dedication to sustainability and sets an example for other communities to follow in their efforts to combat climate-change, promote renewable energy, and create a greener future for all residents.
