SolSmart™ is a national recognition and technical assistance program for local governments, which seeks to drive greater solar deployment and enable more Americans to access affordable, renewable solar energy. The program also provides support to communities seeking to cut red tape and improve local solar market conditions.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) launched SolSmart in 2016 as part of the Solar Powering America by Recognizing Communities (SPARC) funding opportunity. In 2022, DOE expanded the program, increasing access to solar energy in underserved communities, communities with limited local government resources, communities with large portions of low- and moderate- income populations, and rural communities.
DOE announced another expansion of the SolSmart program in 2023, which includes a Platinum-level designation for the most innovative communities and a new goal to designate 1,000 communities by 2027.
Objectives
SolSmart designation, coupled with robust technical assistance, motivates communities to become more solar-friendly, and in doing so, ignites local solar markets and helps standardize solar practices across the country. These outcomes align with the goals of the Solar Energy Technologies Office.
Approach
The SolSmart program is jointly administered by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). Local governments that qualify for SolSmart designation join a peer network of forward-thinking communities across the country.
Awardees
International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
Location: Washington, D.C.
DOE Award Amount: $3 million in 2016; $5 million in 2022
Awardee Cost Share: $180,000 in 2016
Project Summary: The ICMA team leads the technical assistance portion of SolSmart and develops strategies to support underserved communities and expand the program’s impact.
Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
Location: Washington, D.C.
DOE Award Amount: $10 million in 2016; $5 million in 2022
Awardee Cost Share: $270,000 in 2016
Project Summary: The IREC team leads the designation process of SolSmart and works to simplify this process for communities through technical assistance and mentorship.