SolSmart

SolSmart is a national program that has helped almost 500 cities, counties, & regional organizations nationwide make it faster, easier, & more affordable to install #solar locally! Your community can join them ☀️ #BeSolSmart ☀️ Get started at https://solsmart.org/.

As solar grows, there are significant opportunities for farms to benefit, gaining access to new revenue streams while also maintaining land for grazing, wildlife, or other uses. Join the 8/28 webinar, Agrivoltaics: Solar and Farmland Have Mutual Benefits. In this SolSmart webinar, zoning expert Brian Ross from the Great Plains Institute will provide an overview of best practices and common solutions around planning, zoning, and incentives for agrivoltaics and large-scale solar. Register today!  https://lnkd.in/ecKbkask 

Home to the state capitol and stretching from the densely populated Puget Sound into Washington’s rural interior, Thurston County Government, Washington has embraced solar energy as a way to walk the walk on climate change. Their use of a regional approach to climate mitigation, coupled with a notable solar permit exemption, is making this SolSmart Silver community a leader in renewable energy. See how Thurston County is taking the lead on solar here:  https://lnkd.in/ejjTybjV

Are you looking for a SolSmart solar training video specific to your needs, but having trouble finding it? Our team has created a new Training Videos Catalog to help you do so! Visit our site for a summary of recordings that are included in our video library and available for on demand learning. https://lnkd.in/ehJumjZz

The City of Gary, Indiana earned SolSmart Bronze designation for their work to adopt national solar best practices. "This program will help empower Gary’s residents and businesses to embrace solar energy. To reach this goal, our dedicated team has worked hard to streamline the process for solar installations. Now, residents and businesses seeking solar approval benefit from a simplified permitting process," said Mayor Eddie Melton. See more at our website: https://lnkd.in/e2wiStMU

Are you a SolSmart-designated community? Join our August 15 Tune up webinar! This free webinar will explore strategies for existing SolSmart designees to continue to improve their local solar markets and grow their impact. Participants will be introduced to the SolSmart program updates, including an exciting new Platinum level designation, and delve into the latest best practices in solar development. See more here: https://lnkd.in/eZ-BRBTq

Have you seen the new report, Expanding #SolarAccess to Underserved Communities Through SolSmart? This report examines two case studies of ways in which major U.S. cities—Washington, D.C. and Minneapolis, Minnesota—have made sure that residents benefit from solar energy installations, offering replicable actions for other cities. Access it here: https://lnkd.in/eWTdHGPj

Going solar has earned Irvine a bronze! 🏆 The City of Irvine recently received a bronze designation from SolSmart. Irvine was recognized for its work to enhance public access to information about solar energy, including financial incentives, consumer protection, and local installers. Central to the City’s efforts is the Solarize Irvine program in partnership with OC Goes Solar. Since the program launched in 2022, 200 homeowners have switched to solar, 69 EV chargers have been installed through the program, and hundreds of residents have learned how to reduce energy bills and support Irvine’s carbon neutrality goals. Ready to go solar? Join us 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, July 22, at Northwood Community Center for a free Solarize Irvine Community Workshop. Sign up at ocgoessolar.org. https://lnkd.in/g4DY_HZY #gosolar #savemoney #buildcommunity

Check out our new report, Expanding Solar Access to Underserved Communities Through SolSmart! The report, authored by Great Plains Institute, examines ways in which U.S. cities have made sure that residents benefit from solar energy installations, offering replicable actions for other cities. See it now: https://lnkd.in/eWTdHGPj!

Are you at the National Association of Counties conference in Tampa, Florida? Come see SolSmart! Our staff are present in the exhibitor hall. Learn how our program can help you access federal energy funds, reduce costs, and ensure safety!