B5.5 SolSmart *
Pursue SolSmart designations and adopt solar friendly practices.
SolSmart is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office; it provides no-cost technical assistance from a team of national experts who evaluate programs and practices that impact solar markets, and identify high-prospect opportunities for improvement. (Fully-funded, experienced staff also work in selected communities for periods of up to six months as SolSmart Advisors.) The program provides guidance for over 90 actions to improve solar implementation, designates communities meeting its standards as SolSmart, and tries to help local governments and regional organizations attract new business, promote economic growth, and foster the creation of new jobs.