SolSmart
U.S. Department of Energy program / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The SolSmart program, established in 2016, is a national program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office with a mission to reduce solar soft costs and help local governments across the United States expand the use of solar energy in their jurisdictions.[1] It is managed jointly by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council[2] and the International City/County Management Association.[3][4]
This article may rely excessively on sources too closely associated with the subject, potentially preventing the article from being verifiable and neutral. (January 2024) |
Formation | 2016 |
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Purpose | SolSmart is a national program designed to recognize cities, counties, towns, and regional organizations that are encouraging solar energy growth at the local level. |
Parent organization | Interstate Renewable Energy Council, International City/County Management Association |
Website | https://solsmart.org/ |
SolSmart works with representatives from local governments to adopt nationally recognized best practices to encourage solar energy use.[5][6][7] This guidance covers areas such as zoning, market development, permitting and inspection, and more. SolSmart includes technical assistance providers that work with local government staff at no cost and guide them through the process.[8] Upon meeting the required criteria, a community is awarded Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum designation status.[9]
500 towns, cities, counties, and regional organizations have been designated by the SolSmart program to date. These communities are located in 43 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.[10][11] In 2022, the Department of Energy announced that the SolSmart program was approved for a five-year extension, with a goal of 500 additional community designees.[12][13]