Solar is becoming an increasingly popular option for communities and regions looking to diversify their energy supply, especially as the price of solar installations has continued to decrease. The SolSmart team works free of charge with communities and regions around the country to obtain Gold, Silver, and Bronze designations by incorporating best practices for solar planning, zoning, permitting, and inspection. SolSmart also offers a Regional Organization Pathway that recognizes organizations facilitating progress across jurisdictions to assist multiple municipalities and counties as they advance solar energy growth.
In August 2021, the NADO Research Foundation and National Association of Regional Councils hosted the webinar “A Brighter Energy Future for Regions: An Introduction to SolSmart’s Regional Organization Pathway” that covered the basics of SolSmart and the Regional Pathway. The session included a presentation from staff at the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) who provided an overview of the SolSmart program and its benefits, as well as remarks from staff at the New River Valley Regional Commission in southwest Virginia, who shared their experiences in achieving Bronze designation this past year.
Presenters:
- Danny Falk, Program Manager, Interstate Renewable Energy Council
- Andrew Light, Program Manager, Interstate Renewable Energy Council
- Kevin Byrd, Executive Director, New River Valley Regional Commission
- Aphi Fancon, Senior Planner, New River Valley Regional Commission
- Brett Schwartz, Associate Director, NADO Research Foundation (moderator)