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Resources

On this page, you can find a number of resources and publications with information to help you get solar energy integrated into your community, including the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Solar Powering Your Community: A Guide for Local Governments. You can view photos of the Solar America Communities program in action, and can download exhibits that feature solar projects in U.S. cities. You also can find web links to DOE and partner Web sites.

The following publications may require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. (Download Acrobat Reader)

Solar Powering Your Community: A Guide for Local Governments

The U.S. Department of Energy developed this comprehensive resource to assist local governments and stakeholders in building sustainable local solar markets. This second edition of the guide was updated to include new market developments and innovations for advancing local solar markets that have emerged since the first edition was released in 2009. This updated edition also contains the most recent lessons and successes from the original 25 Solar America Cities and other communities promoting solar energy. The guide introduces a range of policy and program options that have been successfully field tested in cities and counties around the country.

Topics include:
1. Organizing and Strategizing a Local Solar Effort
2. Making Solar Affordable for Residents and Businesses
3. Updating and Enforcing Local Rules and Regulations
4. Improving Utility Policies and Processes
5. Creating Jobs and Supporting Economic Development
6. Educating and Empowering Potential Customers
7. Leading by Example with Installations on Government Properties


Publications and Tools

NREL and National Trust for Historic Preservation. September 2011.
This paper details findings from a workshop held in Denver, Colorado, in June 2010 that brought together stakeholders from both the solar and historic preservation industries. Based on these findings, this paper identifies challenges and recommends solutions for developing solar photovoltaic (PV) projects on historic buildings and in historic districts in such a way as to not affect the characteristics that make a building eligible for historic status.
September 2011.
This case study covers the process of successfully integrating photovoltaic (PV) systems into a low-income housing development in northeast Denver, Colorado, focusing specifically on a new financing model and job training.


Workshops

The Solar America Communities Outreach Partnership (SACO) hosts workshops to help communities integrate solar at the local level. Presentations and resources from each workshop will help communities gain basic knowledge of solar technologies, identify opportunities to grow solar on the local level, and begin solar planning in their region.

For more information about SACO’s past and upcoming workshops, visit the SAC Events page or contact Emily Dodson at (202) 962-3662.



Photos & Exhibits

View photographs in the Solar America Communities photo gallery.

U.S Department of Energy. 2008.
This panel introduces the Solar America Cities program and features a large map showing the 25 Solar America Cities.

U.S Department of Energy. 2008.
These fun, educational signs feature solar in action in the Solar America Cities, as well as information on different types of solar technologies and markets.


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Monday, December 05, 2011