Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments, CT

The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments embraced the power of a regional approach to solar to earn SolSmart Bronze in 2022 and then SolSmart Silver in 2023. Their initiatives have included making solar information regarding consumer protection, state incentives, and more easily accessible to the public; incorporating solar into regional planning initiatives, and more!

• Provided guidance on solar PV planning, zoning and development best practices to communities and counties in the region through training session
• Hosted regional training on best practices in solar permitting for communities
• Posted a solar landing page on the regional website with information on the region’s solar goals
  and local resources for solar development, a well as state incentives, consumer protection, and more
• Reviewed existing region-wide planning documents and identified new opportunities to integrate solar PV into planning goals
• Drafted proposed language and a timeline for the inclusion of solar PV in existing and/or future plans
• Provided guidance for solar PV development on parking lots, vacant lots, brownfields, airport safety zones (with FAA approval), and non-building structures
• Posted an online summary of state policies related to a property owner’s solar access and solar rights
• Posted an online solar map