New SolSmart Program Launched
National Recognition and Solar Technical Assistance Available to Counties
In partnership with The Solar Foundation, the National Association of Counties (NACo) is pleased to announce the launch of the SolSmart program, made possible through the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative. The SolSmart program provides national designation to leading solar counties and cities and empowers communities to become solar leaders through no-cost technical assistance.
Why SolSmart?
SolSmart provides high-profile, national recognition for counties that have made it easier and more cost-effective for homes and businesses to invest in solar energy. Counties committed to pursuing SolSmart designation are eligible for no-cost technical assistance from a team of national solar and local government experts.
SolSmart aims to help counties reduce administrative fees known as “soft costs.” Eliminating red tape and lowering soft costs can help county governments:
* Operate more efficiently
* Attract new solar jobs and companies, and
* Make solar more affordable.
Who can participate?
Any county, regardless of previous solar energy experience, can apply for SolSmart designation and receive no-cost technical assistance.
How can my county participate?
Interested counties can visit solsmart.org to get involved and complete the Intake Form. 
For more information:
Check out this blog post and visit solsmart.org.
Register for the 2016 NACo Annual Conference & Exposition to attend a session on solar energy in counties and related programming.
If you have any questions, contact NACo Program Manager Jack Morgan, 202.942.4274.