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SolSmart Designees
Tazewell 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
"Tazewell County is pleased to be a part of the Solsmart program. Our Board is always working on moving our County into the future. This is an important piece. We are ready to embrace new technologies here and anxious to see solar grow in use throughout our county and the region.
- C. Eric Young, Esq. Tazewell County Administrator