Expanding Energy Options with SolSmart

Free technical assistance to help local governments streamline solar processes.
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About SolSmart

Until October 2025, the SolSmart program offered free technical assistance to local governments (including cities, counties, and regional organizations) to adopt nationally recognized solar best practices, saving municipal staff time and money while maintaining safety. All local governments and regional organizations in the United States were eligible to participate. 

Due to funding changes, this program is not currently offering designation or technical assistance to new communities. We continue to explore opportunities to continue this important work; join our mailing list to be notified of new program developments.

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Why SolSmart

Whether your community is new to solar energy or an established leader, the SolSmart program offers a variety of benefits to help you manage the growth of solar in your community. By participating, local governments access free expert technical assistance, gaining valuable knowledge from national solar energy experts. SolSmart helps remove bureaucratic barriers, saving taxpayer resources and making it quicker and more affordable for households and businesses to adopt solar energy. Simultaneously, SolSmart emphasizes safety, providing municipal staff with resources and training to evaluate solar projects through zoning reviews, permitting, and inspection. A SolSmart designation brings prestigious public recognition, showcasing your community’s energy leadership.

SolSmart fosters economic growth by enabling local solar market development and tapping into the nationwide growth in solar installations. The program helps local governments access further benefits of solar energy, including increased energy resilience and disaster preparedness, lower energy prices, and more.

“By making solar energy more accessible and affordable, we are investing in our community’s future and supporting our broader environmental and economic goals.”
Ryan Sorenson, Mayor of Sheboygan, Wisconsin (SolSmart Silver Designee)

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How the Program Works

The SolSmart program has two key parts. First, the program provides no-cost technical assistance to help local governments follow national best practices to increase energy options in their jurisdictions. Second, it recognizes and celebrates these communities with SolSmart designations of Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze.

To date, over 600 local governments in 45 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico have achieved SolSmart designation.

The criteria are organized across the following five categories:

01 Permitting and Inspection

Communities that implement permitting and inspection best practices can increase efficiency while maintaining safety.

02 Planning and Zoning

Local government planning and zoning regulations can help facilitate solar energy growth in accordance with community plans.

03 Government Operations

Local governments can lead the way by installing solar energy on public facilities and engaging with their local utility.

04 Community Engagement

Providing clear, high-quality information, public education, and inclusive engagement opportunities can help residents and businesses interested in solar energy make informed decisions.

05 Market Development

Local governments can collaborate and partner with organizations to promote solar development within their jurisdiction.

Our Partners

SolSmart In The News

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News

Town of Kennebunk Becomes Second Community in Maine to Earn…

September 24, 2025
SolSmart
News

Northern Virginia Regional Commission Earns Platinum Designation for Solar Readiness

June 16, 2025
SolSmart
News

When It Comes to Large-Scale Solar, One Size Does Not…

June 3, 2025
SolSmart

Featured Resources

SolSmart guides, templates, recorded webinars and trainings, and more

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Program Guide

SolSmart Program Guides (2025)

SolSmart
Toolkit

Solar Energy Toolkit: The Federal and State Context: Policies Affecting Solar Energy Development

SolSmart
Toolkit

Solar Energy Toolkit: Planning, Zoning, & Development

SolSmart
Webinar

Webinar: Best Practices in Planning and Zoning for Solar PV and Large-Scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Fall 2025

SolSmart

Upcoming Events

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There are currently no upcoming events. Please check back soon!

Join SolSmart

As a SolSmart participant, you’ll receive free technical assistance from a team of national experts who will help you expand opportunities for solar energy growth in your jurisdiction. 

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