Richmond Regional Planning District Commission, VA

The Richmond Regional Planning District Commission (PlanRVA) embraced the power of a regional approach for solar to earn their SolSmart Bronze designation in 2023, posting public resources with an emphasis on connecting residents with information on consumer protection, state-level incentives, and more. The Commission also created an inventory of sites suitable for large-scale solar PV within the region, and provided large-scale solar trainings for local officials. In 2025, PlanRVA leveled up to SolSmart Silver designation by hosting regional permitting, inspection, planning, and zoning sessions, updating online resources, and more.

• Posted online resources about solar installers and/or solar quote platforms for solar PV.
• Posted online resources about residential and commercial solar PV financing options and incentives including an inventory of local incentives or locally-enabled finance (e.g., a revolving loan fund) for solar PV provided by member communities.
• Posted online resources about consumer protection and solar PV.
• Posted an online summary of state policies related to a property owner’s solar access and solar rights, including links to state-level policy.
• Posted an online solar map for the region.
• Demonstrated regional organization support for local solar strategies through speeches, press releases, opinion articles, etc.
• Hosted a regional workshop focused on the topic of siting solar PV and procuring renewable energy.
• Developed an inventory of sites suitable for large-scale solar PV within the region.
• Provided a training for local officials on ways large-scale solar strategies can be supported in the region, including regulatory authority and relevant state processes.
• Post a solar landing page on the regional organization’s website with information that may include the region’s solar goals, educational materials and tools that promote solar, and resources for solar development.
• Host regional training for planning and zoning staff from communities and counties in the region on best practices in planning and zoning for solar PV.
• Host regional training on best practices for permitting solar PV and/or solar and storage systems.
• Host regional training on best practices for inspecting solar PV and/or solar and storage systems.