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SolSmart Designees
Scott County
Virginia
It’s a juxtaposition between the old and new: an effort to expand solar energy use in the coalfields of Southwest Virginia. Leading this work is the Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia, a group of nonprofit and community action agencies, colleges, state agencies, planning district commissions, and other interested citizens and businesses seeking to develop a renewable energy industry cluster in the seven coalfield counties of Southwest Virginia.

- Created an online permitting checklist, increasing transparency for community members and solar installers
- Reviewed local zoning codes and identified restrictions that intentionally or unintentionally prohibit solar development
Receiving this designation affirms that Scott County is moving in the right direction to become solar friendly. We hope this will show our citizens and businesses that we are working toward green economic opportunities.
- Freda R. Starnes, County Administrator