SolSmart recognizes communities for taking action to encourage the growth of local solar markets. Through SolSmart, local government officials can access high quality training on a variety of topics related to solar planning, permitting and program implementation. Below please find a summary of recordings that are included in our video library and available for on demand learning. You can also download a PDF at the button above.

Planning & Zoning

SolSmart Planning and Zoning trainings review best practices for integrating solar into local plans, zoning regulations, stakeholder engagement and related processes. These sessions cover rooftop solar, as well as ground-mount and large-scale solar arrays. The national training is applicable to communities across the country, while state-specific trainings offer some additional detail related to specific state policies and examples. These trainings can be used to earn SolSmart criteria PZ-18.

National

• SolSmart National Planning and Zoning Training, recorded date: 2/20/2024

State-specific

• Colorado, Hosted by the Colorado Energy office, recorded date: 5/16/24
• Pennsylvania, Hosted by the Southwest Pennsylvania Commission, recorded date: 3/16/22
• Wisconsin, Hosted by SolSmart and La Crosse County, Wisconsin, recorded date: 11/6/23

Permitting & Inspection

SolSmart Permitting and Inspection trainings review best practices, codes and procedures related to solar permitting and inspection for residential systems. The training includes procedures for reviewing permit applications, documentation and guidance for completing inspections that ensure safety and code compliance. These trainings can be used to earn SolSmart criteria PI-2 (permitting) and PI-3 (inspection).

National

• SolSmart National Training on Permitting and Inspection, Recorded June 26 2024

IREC Permitting Training Modules:  Plan Review & Permitting of Residential Rooftop Solar PV Systems.  This three-part series provided by IREC is an excellent, comprehensive overview of solar permitting.  Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion.

• Permitting Training Module 1: IREC Solar PV Structural Plan Review
• Permitting Training Module 2: IREC Solar PV Electrical Plan Review
• Permitting Training Module 3: IREC Solar PV Plan Review Test

IREC Inspection Training Module. This five-part series, provided by IREC, provides a best practices to make inspections efficient and effective, including specific project examples. Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion.

• IREC Solar PV Field Inspection Basics – 5 Part Series

State-Specific

• Michigan, hosted by Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), recorded date: 11/07/2023 (permitting only)
• Connecticut: Naugatuck Valley, Hosted by NVCOG, recorded date: 12/8/23
• Colorado, Hosted by Colorado Energy Office, recorded date: 6/6/24
• Wisconsin: Dane County, Hosted by SolSmart and CARPC, recorded date: 1/26/24
• Wisconsin: La Crosse County, Hosted by SolSmart, recorded date: 10/3/2023

Other Training Topics

• Understanding Who is Underserved by Your Solar Strategies, hosted by SolSmart, date recorded: 1/3/2024