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Why Should You Apply?
SolSmart designation brings many advantages to local governments and the local solar industry.
Save Money
Eliminating red tape and making approval processes more efficient can save local governments time and money, helping communities better manage constrained budgets and limited taxpayer resources.
Reducing solar “soft costs” can increase return on investment for solar customers. Soft costs are non-hardware costs, such as local permitting requirements, that represent up to two-thirds of the cost of an installed residential system. Complex or poorly-defined local government processes can add up to $2,500 to the cost of going solar.
Grow the Local Economy
Improving local processes for going solar can improve business prospects for solar companies. More than one-third of solar installation companies say they avoid serving communities because of permitting difficulties.
Help Your Community
Your community will receive national recognition through the SolSmart website, media campaign mentions, and other means.
You’ll have an opportunity to receive awards for exceeding basic program requirements and further distinguishing your community from its peers.