Resource Library

Browse the SolSmart resource library to find reports, webinars, and online templates, or search for a resource by category.

Featured

SolSmart Program Guides (2023)

| By SolSmart
The SolSmart program guides are comprehensive resources for local governments with information on the SolSmart designation and technical assistance process. Participants should download the program guide that corresponds to their designation pathway.
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Template

(2021) Solar Commercial Fees Template – PI-11

| SolSmart
This memo will attempt to identify and verify commercial solar PV permit fees and determine if they align with national best practices.
Template

(2021) Solar Residential Fees Template – PI-10

| SolSmart
This memo will attempt to identify and verify residential solar PV permit fees and determine if they align with national best practices.
Template

Solar Inspection Training Template – PI-3

| SolSmart
Regular solar PV training, at least every few years, is a best practice to ensure field inspectors are up-to-date on new procedures, codes, and products within the solar industry.
Template

Solar Permit Training Template – PI-2

| SolSmart
Regular solar PV training, at least every few years, is a best practice to ensure permit technicians and plan reviewers are up-to-date on new procedures, codes, and products within the solar industry.
Template

(2021) Solar Permitting Checklist Template – PI-1

| SolSmart
Providing a set of requirements for the local solar permitting process (for both residential and commercial solar) on an easy-to-find local government webpage represents a major step toward overcoming informational barriers. An online solar permit checklist can be a simple way for a community to accelerate permit approval timelines and save staff time.
Report

Large-Scale Solar Development: A Playbook for Southwest Virginia

| SolSmart, The Solar Foundation, Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia
The Solar Workgroup, in partnership with SolSmart and the Solar Foundation, has created an introductory guide for local governments to facilitate large-scale solar projects in Southwest Virginia.
Report

SolSmart Issue Brief: Land Use Considerations for Large-Scale Solar

| SolSmart, Electric Power Research Institute
Energy development is the largest driver of land-use and land-cover change in the United States. Today, one of the leading forms of this new development is large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) plants. This new issue brief is intended to educate local governments and community stakeholders interested in supporting solar development.
Webinar

SolSmart Webinar: Permitting & Inspection Refresher Training

| SolSmart
This SolSmart webinar served as a refresher on simplified solar permitting and inspection best practices for residential systems.
Report

SolSmart Report: Solar & Electric Vehicles, A Guide For Local Governments

| SolSmart, Cadmus
The report, Solar and Electric Vehicles: A Guide for Local Governments, provides a roadmap for municipalities, counties, and regional organizations to maximize the benefits of these two technologies together.
Webinar

SolSmart Webinar: How Local Governments Can Buy Renewable Energy & Support Market Development

| SolSmart
This webinar covers strategies local governments can consider to procure renewable energy and support renewable energy market development, including power purchase agreements (PPAs), virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs), community solar, and more.
Solar panels in a green field under a blue sky.

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