SolSmart and Charging Smart are free technical assistance and designation programs that help local governments advance solar energy and electric vehicle (EV) readiness. Technical assistance involves expert guidance and support as communities pursue solar and EV readiness efforts, while designation recognizes communities for achieving specific goals. These initiatives offer tailored guidance to streamline permitting, zoning, and other local processes, reducing costs and barriers for energy development.

Communities that join gain access to guidance, peer-learning opportunities, and public recognition for their leadership. Recruitment is ongoing, but now is an especially great time for your jurisdiction to get involved. Learn more at the Energy Ready website and join here.

Designated communities throughout the United States are making significant progress toward solar and EV readiness. Here are a few local highlights:

• La Crescent, Minnesota, recently became the first local government in the United States to achieve both SolSmart Platinum and Charging Smart Silver designations. The city installed solar panels and EV chargers on public land, demonstrating the feasibility of local renewable energy solutions.
• Montgomery County, Maryland, also earned a SolSmart Platinum designation. The county posted community solar PV and permitting metrics, while also partnering with local community-based organizations focused on advancing solar.
• Miami, Florida, achieved a SolSmart Silver designation and expanded access to solar in their community through initiatives, such as solar financing programs and solar procurement for government buildings.
• Aurora, Illinois, earned SolSmart Gold for launching a solar landing page, an interactive solar map, and resources on local installers and incentives. In 2024, the city also earned Charging Smart Bronze for expanding EV charging access.
• Hopkins, Minnesota, holds Silver designations for both SolSmart and Charging Smart. Staff completed a solar permitting and inspection training, streamlined EV charger permitting online, and offered local incentives, making Hopkins one of the first Charging Smart designees in the United States.

These examples are just a small snapshot of work underway to streamline policies and reduce soft costs for solar and EV adoption across the country. In the map below you can see the hundreds of communities who have achieved SolSmart and Charging Smart designations.