SolSmart
SolSmart is a national program that helps cities, towns, counties and regional organizations become solar energy ready
Sections
SolSmart is a national program that helps cities, towns, counties and regional organizations become solar energy ready!
A primary goal of SolSmart is to reduce solar “soft costs,” the non-hardware costs that include permitting, financing and installation. These costs make up about two-thirds of the cost of a solar installation. Actions that local governments take can significantly reduce soft costs to encourage solar market growth at the local level.
Interested in getting started? You can contact SolSmart directly at their website or reach out to a member of NACo's team at SolSmart@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 Solsmart.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.
U.S. Senate EPW Committee unanimously passes WRDA 2024, legislation awaits further action
U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Committee unanimously passes Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA) of 2024; legislation awaits further action.
County Countdown – May 7, 2024
Every other week, NACo’s County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership.
HUD announces new energy standards for affordable housing
HUD announces new energy standards for affordable housing.
U.S. Department of Energy announces $18 million for Local Government Energy Program
U.S. Department of Energy announces $18 million for Local Government Energy Program
Sherburne County and tribal nations collaborate on county park
Sherburne County, Minn. engaged tribal nations to revise its plans for a park that included a Native American burial ground.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers publishes memo on protection of non-jurisdictional waters and wetlands
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers memo directs civil works actions on water and wetlands in response to recent Waters of the United States (WOTUS) changes.