Report

National Academies Study Evaluates Impact of SolSmart Program

| By Xue Gao, Casey Canfield, Tian Tang , and John Cornwell
Community Engagement Government Operations Market Development Permitting and Inspection Planning and Zoning

This study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), uses a rigorous statistical process to evaluate the impact of the SolSmart program. In summary, the study found that SolSmart has “achieved its intended outcome to promote solar adoption in local communities.” The findings included that SolSmart can lead to increased solar capacity of 18-19% per month. The study also found that SolSmart communities increased installations by 17% per month. The study, “Encouraging voluntary government action via a solar-friendly designation program to promote solar energy in the United States,” can be viewed in full on the PNAS website.