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.
New trails in Milwaukee County help curtail illegal park dumping
While new fines will help defray cleanup costs, Milwaukee County, Wis. Parks hopes making it harder to reach remote places will reduce illegal dumping.
EPA announces proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements
EPA announces proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements.
County Countdown – Nov. 4, 2024
This week's County Countdown features interviews from this year’s NACo Annual Conference.
IRS Announces Direct Pay Election Extension for Clean Energy Projects
The IRS has granted extensions to file Form 990-T for those making a Direct Pay election.
County Countdown – Oct. 22, 2024
Every other week, NACo's County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership.
EPA announces $58 million available for Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grants
EPA announces $58 million available for Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grants.