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.   

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.