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.
Innovating Solutions Together: Turning Ideas into Results
NACo CEO Matt Chase: "Every one of these counties started in the same place: a local vision, followed by a search for ideas. NACo builds the networks that connect county officials and other experts."
Counties play a growing role in the fight to lower utility costs for residents
County governments rarely have a direct role in the energy market, but a new NACo report finds that counties can often be most effective as advocates, helping lower residents’ utility costs by leveraging state programs, local partnerships and outreach.
U.S. Senate advances Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act in initial procedural vote
On Nov. 9, the U.S. Senate advanced the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act (S. 5653) through a successful vote to invoke cloture. The 73-25 vote sets up further debate and consideration in the chamber.
Congress makes progress on data center legislation
NACo has endorsed data center-related bills aimed at providing electricity cost relief to ratepayers - the House's Ratepayer Protection Act and the Senate's American Affordability and Jobs Act.
Counties face tax structure question on data centers
While the property taxes on the land that data centers occupy can be significant, the value of the equipment inside is a substantial addition to the total value.
The "Backslash Backlash:" Counties pivot in the data center buildout
Data center development across the country has put a new focus on county policies, how they regulate land use and more for local residents and how they could shape the path for economic growth built around artificial intelligence and information technology.
Ready for El Niño: County Strategies for Preparation, Response, and Recovery
This webinar equips county officials with practical guidance to prepare for, respond to and recover from the impacts of El Niño.
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.