In 2022 the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) and the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) released the Solar Power in Your Community guidebook, which will assist regional and local government officials and stakeholders in boosting solar deployment and overcoming common barriers in today’s market. This marks the third edition of the guidebook, which DOE originally published in 2011. The report provides best practices, case studies, and links to additional resources. Many examples are the direct result of SolSmart, a national designation program that recognized municipalities, counties, and regional organizations that are addressing market barriers and making it faster, easier, and more affordable to go solar. NARC joined the SolSmart project team in 2021. Additional information about NARC’s involvement and support for the regional designation pathway can be found on our website.
Solar Power in Your Community Guidebook – Examples and Insights from Local Communities
The guidebook developed by NREL and DOE serves as a resource to assist government officials and regional stakeholders in increasing deployment and local access to solar photovoltaics. Through diverse case studies, information about new technologies, and more, you will gain invaluable insight and strategies for improving the equity of solar deployment at the local and regional level.
Submission of Bulk Challenges
Regional Councils, COGs, and MPOs are encouraged to review and validate the availability data presented on the new National Broadband Map to determine whether to submit a challenge. If your organization or local districts determine that a challenge is needed, the FCC has provided steps to follow here.
Solar Power in Your Community Guidebook – Reaching for Greater Solar Equity
Despite substantial market growth, barriers to solar adoption disproportionally impact low- to moderate-income (LMI) households and under-resourced communities. Regional and local governments are uniquely positioned to remove many of the barriers to widespread solar adoption and make solar energy more affordable and accessible for all.
Steps Your Community Can Take Today to Increase Solar Deployment
What actions can regional governments, local jurisdictions, and communities take to make solar accessible and affordable? There’s a lot of options, including:
- Organizing and Strategizing a Regional Solar Effort
- Updating Regional and Local Policies and Processes
- Developing Local Workforce Training and Education Programs
- Educating and Empowering Potential Customers using Inclusive Strategies
- Installing Solar on Local Land and Buildings
Learn more about all of these (and more) in the U.S. Department of Energy’s To learn more, access the report on energy.gov.