Raleigh, NC

In 2025, Raleigh became the first Charging Smart designee in North Carolina. The community earned this Silver designation, a major achievement, by clarifying permitting processes for EV charging equipment, engaging with their utility on EV-related load growth needs, increasing the availability of information to the public, and more!

At the State Energy Conference of North Carolina, the SolSmart team joined the NC Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) to celebrate 19 communities that achieved designation in North Carolina and South Carolina! We’re proud of each of these communities for their work making it faster, easier, and more affordable to go solar.

NCCETC served as a SolSmart Advisor providing intensive technical assistance to help local communities achieve designation.

Raleigh has set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050.

• Created an online permitting checklist, increasing transparency for community members and solar installers.
• Reviewed local zoning codes and identified restrictions that intentionally or unintentionally prohibit solar PV development
• Allowed solar by-right accessory use in all zones (so solar installations don’t require special permits or hearings)
• Cross-trained both inspection and permitting staff on solar PV