SolSmart
SolSmart is a national program that helps cities, towns, counties and regional organizations become solar energy ready
Sections
Until October 2025, the SolSmart program offered free technical assistance to cities, towns, counties and regional organizations to adopt nationally recognized solar best practices that save staff time and money while maintaining safety.
Due to funding changes, this program is not currently offering designation or technical assistance to new communities. Interested in future support or available resources and templates? You can contact SolSmart directly at their website or reach out to a member of NACo's team at Energy@naco.org.
About
SolSmart helps local governments by providing:
- No-cost technical assistance to expand solar energy use in their jurisdictions; and
- Official recognition for solar achievements, through a SolSmart designation of Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze
By participating in the program, counties will follow national solar best practices that will lead to streamlined and efficient administrative processes, a diversified energy market and lower energy costs. More than 60 counties are participating and have received a SolSmart designation.
NACo is a proud partner of SolSmart, and we look forward to supporting county governments looking to advance solar energy in their jurisdictions.
SolSmart is co-led by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office.
For more information, visit Energy-Ready.org.
Advocacy
Open for Solar Business
Counties across the country are now "open for solar business" thanks to the Department of Energy-funded SolSmart program.
House passes the 2026 Farm Bill with key county priorities
On April 30, the House of Representatives passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567) by a vote of 224–200.
EPA announces new PFAS education initiative for water systems
On April 14, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched the PFAS OUT initiative to help water systems proactively tackle per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contamination in drinking water. PFAS OUT is an outreach initiative that will connect water system managers with resources to better understand and tackle PFAS pollution ahead of upcoming regulatory deadlines.
Counties make their cases for permitting reform
County officials spoke out at a Capitol Hill briefing about the delays and costs resulting from permitting challenges and the reforms they’d like to see passed by Congress.
U.S. Representatives introduce bipartisan CERTAIN Act to uphold county participation and streamline federal permitting
On April 15, congressional leaders introduced the bipartisan Create Expedited Reviews to Transform American Infrastructure Now (CERTAIN) Act. Led by Reps. Scott Peters (D-Calif.), Gabe Evans (R-Colo.), Andrew Gabarino (R-N.Y.), Adam Gray (D-Calif.), Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.) and Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), the CERTAIN Act would strengthen county consultation and set actionable deadlines for federal environmental permitting processes.
U.S. Department of Agriculture announces new environmental review regulations
On April 7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published a final rule issuing new regulatory guidance for the department’s environmental review processes. The new rule affects how USDA implements the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and affects projects funded by the agency or occurring on land managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).
Deploying EV Charging Infrastructure Without an RFP – A Procurement-Safe Path for Public Agencies
California public agencies are under increasing pressure to deploy EV charging infrastructure
quickly—without compromising procurement compliance. We invite you to join a focused,
45-minute webinar hosted by Frank Huerta of LilyPad EV on either of these available dates:
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
11:00 AM (PST)
2:00 PM (EST)
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
11:00 AM (PST)
2:00 PM (EST)
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
11:00 AM (PST)
2:00 PM (EST)
2026 NACo Energy Symposium
Join county leaders from across the country in the Texas Panhandle to engage with the most pressing energy issues shaping rural America today. Hear from experts, exchange ideas with peers and gain practical insights into the policies, projects and partnerships driving rural energy development.
Interim Financial Conflict of Interest Policy
NACo upholds an up-to-date, written and enforced Financial and Organizational Conflict of Interest Policy and Management Plan. This document can be accessed here.