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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Report

Expanding Solar Access: Pathways for Multifamily Housing

| Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
This guide outlines two potential paths to enable greater solar access for renters and multifamily residents, and low-to-moderate income communities: on-site shared solar and off-site/remote shared solar.
Webinar

SolSmart Workshop: Best Practices for Solar PV Inspection

| SolSmart
Session 3 reviews best practices for conducting field inspections for small solar PV systems.
Permitting and Inspection
Report

Community Solar Basics — Critical Elements, Checklists and Resources

| Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
This reference guide gives a brief overview of seven critical program design elements along with accompanying checklists and additional resources to help guide decision-makers and stakeholders as they develop community solar programs. The guide also includes a terminology section, which provides clarification on certain key terms.
Government Operations
Report

Solar PV Safety for Firefighters

| International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
With consumers going solar in nearly every state, the likelihood that firefighters will encounter solar electric systems on residential and commercial properties is increasing dramatically every year. The Solar PV Safety for Firefighters Course is designed to give firefighters the knowledge necessary to feel confident and safe when responding to fires on Solar PV-equipped structures, and to better understand the potential hazards.
Report

Strategies for Solar Workforce Development, A Toolkit for the Industry

| The Solar Foundation
This report builds out tools centered around themes of workforce development and work-based learning. With a templated implementation guide, case studies, and best practices, we outline actionable, collaborative solutions for the solar industry to better align education with evolving workforce needs.
Report

Plan Review and Inspection Guidelines: Model Inspection Checklist for Residential Rooftop PV

| Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)
Our popular and frequently referenced Model Inspection Checklist for Rooftop PV is now updated and expanded to include 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.
Website

Solar State By State

| Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)
Explore the latest solar market insights and policy updates in all 50 states. All market data is current through each quarter.
Market Development
Report

Guide to Implementing Solar PV for Local Governments

| International City/County Management Association (ICMA), Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS), Acuity Power Group
The purpose of this guide is to provide a resource for local government officials who have already decided on the benefits of solar PV and are looking to implement solar PV projects on municipal buildings and land. It will provide useful information in understanding this process, specific to city and county managers.
Government Operations Market Development
Website

PACE Programs

| PACENation
Provides information and links on every residential and commercial PACE program in operation across the US, sorted by state.
Market Development
Website

EnergySage

| EnergySAGE
A useful resource for local governments as well as residents looking to go solar.
Solar panels in a green field under a blue sky.

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