ICMA is a member of the Department of Energy's SunShot Solar Outreach Partnership (SolarOPs). Through SolarOPs, ICMA is working with the American Planning Association, the National Association of Regional Councils, and a partner team led by ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability USA to share information and best practices that will increase the adoption of solar on the local level.  Specifically, SolarOPs is working on issues related to financing, permitting, and planning and zoning for solar.

So, why go solar?  Solar can have many benefits for communities.  Solar energy can help create local jobs, stimulate investment in the local economy, promote energy independence, and environmental concerns, such as those related to air and water quality.  And local governments can play a key role in addressing barriers to solar adoption, especially when it comes to issues related to permitting and inspection and planning and zoning.  Additionally, local governments can install demonstration projects and help raise public awareness about solar.  To learn more about what local governments are doing to go solar, read about the results of ICMA's Solar Survey of local governments, available here or listen to our solar podcasts, available here.

There are a lot of great resources for communities looking to get started.  The Solar Powering Your Community Guidebook is a great reference guide.  The Department of Energy's Solar Energy Resource Center provides a wealth of resources on solar, including sample local government documents and case studies. If you are looking at integrating solar into your comprehensive plan or revising your zoning ordinances to address solar APA's Essential Info Packet: Planning and Zoning for Solar Energy is a very comprehensive resource.  You can also email pas@planning.org for customized answers to your questions on planning and zoning for solar energy.  And be sure to follow SolarOPs on Twitter @SolarOutreach for the latest updates!