DOE Releases Guidebook to Boost Solar Energy Use in Communities

The U.S. Department of Energy released the third edition of “Solar Power in Your Community” last week. 

The guidebook’s goal is to help local governments unlock environmental and economic benefits of increased solar deployment in their communities. This latest edition contains nearly 40 case studies from around the country that show field-tested approaches to reduce solar market barriers. It also highlights new technologies and strategies to maximize the benefits of solar, such as combining solar with energy storage to improve resilience. And it emphasizes strategies to improve the equity of local solar deployments. These efforts support the deployment of more solar energy to reach the Biden-Harris administration’s goals of achieving 100% clean electricity by 2035 and a net-zero economy by 2050.  

“DOE’s solar guidebook is a must-have reference for local governments interested in using proven strategies to speed up going solar and cut energy bills for their residents,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “From reducing solar permitting delays and other soft costs to expanding solar benefits to renters and other nontraditional solar users, we’re providing more localities with the tools to succeed in delivering cheaper, cleaner power while generating good-paying local jobs.” 

Read the full announcement at https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-releases-guidebook-boost-solar-energy-use-communities.