As solar energy continues to grow and mature, changes occur: Best practices improve, standards and requirements are updated, and newer, easier pathways to adopt and access solar are realized. Check out a few of these great new resources released by organizations nationwide, which can be helpful to residents, community leaders, businesses, and local governments in making it faster, easier, and more affordable to go solar.

Municipal Solar Procurement Toolkit: The New York Solar Guidebook contains information, tools, and instructions to support local governments managing solar energy development in their communities. A new chapter was recently added called the Municipal Solar Procurement Toolkit, which includes step-by-step instructions on how to lease municipal land for solar development, a template Request for Proposals (RFP), and a template Lease Agreement.

2018 Resource Guide to Solarize Campaign Success: This guide is a roadmap for community leaders who want to make solar power easier to access and more affordable for their neighbors. Solarize campaigns bring together groups of potential solar customers through widespread outreach and education, and help customers choose solar companies that are offering competitive, transparent pricing.

UPDATED: Model Inspection Checklist for Residential Rooftop PV Solar: This updated and expanded document by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council includes solar-specific code requirements updated to the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) and the most current international building, residential, and fire codes. The resource provides basic guidelines for reviewing a building permit plan application and inspecting most residential rooftop PV systems.

Expanding Solar Access: Pathways for Multifamily Housing: This new guide outlines two potential paths to enable greater solar access for renters and multifamily residents, as well as low-to-moderate income communities. Developed by Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and the Center for Sustainable Energy, this guide highlights the necessary elements, steps and key stakeholders for each option.