Standard Pathway: Innovative Action

This page provides a detailed description of each criterion in the Standard Pathway: Innovative Action category. It includes recommended verification for designation review, community examples, templates, and/or resources.

Learn more about the SolSmart designation process here. To access this information in a PDF document, download the SolSmart Program Guide.

Overview: Innovative Actions

The SolSmart criteria are based on specific best practices that local governments and community stakeholders can implement to encourage solar energy development in their community. However, the SolSmart team is aware that communities across the country are developing innovative ways to promote and deploy solar energy. If your community has taken action that was not captured in any of the criteria already in the program guide, please share it with us.

The Standard Pathway includes 1 Innovative Action criteria (points vary depending on the action in question).

IA-1 (Point Value Varies)

The actions identified in the categories above represent many of the most common and impactful efforts communities are taking to make going solar easier and more affordable for residents and businesses. However, we know that communities across the country are developing innovative ways to promote and deploy solar energy. If your community has taken action that was not captured in any of the criteria above, please share it with us.

Innovative actions will be reviewed by a team of solar experts and each action may be worth up to 20 points.

Recommended Verification: Provide a signed memo describing the innovative action and include any supporting documentation or links that provide additional details.

Community Examples:

• Grayslake, IL | SolSmart Bronze
  • The Grayslake Sustainable Business Initiative recognizes local businesses that are choosing to be more sustainable. Solar energy is emphasized by awarding a business automatic gold designation if they have installed a solar energy system.
• Montgomery County, MD | SolSmart Gold
  • Montgomery County’s 4^th Solar Co-op offered EV charging as an option through the solar co-op. This helps promote EV charging and can reduce costs through group purchasing.