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 Energy-Ready.org.

Related News

Thermal power plant burning coal fossil fuel for production of electrical energy. Kingston power station in Roane County, Tennessee
Advocacy

DOI, DOE and the EPA announce new funding and regulatory measures to support U.S. coal industry

On September 29, the U.S. Departments of the Interior (DOI), Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced coordinated actions to expand domestic coal production and coal-fired energy generation. 

Personal perspective of man filling a glass of filtered water right from the tap in the kitchen at home
Advocacy

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announces it will uphold 2024 PFAS CERCLA rule

On September 17, the EPA announced that the agency will uphold the 2024 rule designating two types of PFAS as hazardous under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. 

Huge flocks of migrating snow geese take flight at sunrise
Advocacy

DOI announces millions for multiple wetlands conservation programs

On September 18, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) announced $54 million in land acquisitions for waterfowl habitat conservation through a program administered by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission. The conservation actions add onto an August 4 announcement of $102.9 million in grant-based funding under a separate program administered by the Commission for the conservation of critical wetlands ecosystems and migratory bird habitat through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act.

Sunset landscape of the marshes of south San Francisco bay, Sunnyvale, California
Advocacy

House Natural Resources Committee advances reauthorization legislation for NOAA’s Digital Coast program

On September 17, the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee unanimously passed the bipartisan Digital Coast Reauthorization Act, which would reauthorize the Digital Coast program through 2030.

539281953
Advocacy

MAHA Commission releases federal strategy outlining next steps in childhood chronic disease prevention

On September 9, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission’s new Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy, following the earlier MAHA Report published in May 2025. The strategy builds on the assessment’s findings regarding four key drivers of childhood chronic disease: poor diet, chemical exposure, lack of physical activity and chronic stress and overmedicalization.

Erie County, N.Y. Parks, Recreation and Forestry staff will train new recruits to use equipment necessary to maintain the parks. Photo courtesy of Erie County Parks, Recreation & Forestry
County News

Paid training program helps staff a county park system

Modeled on the Civilian Conservation Corps, Erie County, N.Y.'s training and internship program aims to help fill vacant staff positions while offering the necessary training.

Upcoming Events

Image of Electric car charging station in Harris County, Texas; Wikimedia Commons.png
Webinar

Powering the Future: EV Charging Solutions for Public Agencies through NACo PPP

Wednesday, October 8, 2025 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET

Discover how to plug into the future efficiently and affordably. Join us for an informative webinar introducing NACo Public Promise Procurement's newest national contract for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment and Services. Awarded to Lilypad EV by Lead Public Agency Broome County, New York, this contract offers streamlined access to cutting-edge EV infrastructure for counties and public agencies nationwide.

This webinar is brought to you by NACo EDGE, establishing people, purchasing, and performance cost-saving solutions that can be applied to counties nationwide. EDGE is owned by NACo, advised by county leaders and 100% focused on solutions for U.S. Counties. Learn more about NACo EDGE here.

For more information, visit the event page!

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.