Adams County Receives SolSmart Gold Award for Solar Energy Growth

SolSmart, a program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s SunShot Initiative to help communities increase the use of solar power, has awarded Adams County a gold designation as a national leader in advancing solar energy. The county is one of just 40 nationwide to receive the gold designation, the highest level awarded.

To achieve this designation, Adams County took steps to reduce solar “soft costs,” which are non-hardware costs that can increase the time and money needed to install a solar system.

Through SolSmart, Adams County was granted a technical advisor to assist in revising permitting processes and code regulations to ensure residents, businesses, and solar developers have a streamlined process to work with the county on new solar installations. Brandon Kiger, the technical advisor, worked with the permitting and planning divisions in the county’s Community & Economic Development Department on these initiatives and also worked with the City of Lafayette, which also received a gold designation, on regional collaboration efforts.

“This designation further solidifies our dedication to sustainable practices,” said Board of County Commissioners Chair Eva J. Henry. “Solar initiatives are a major piece of the Sustainable Adams County 2030 plan, and our departments continue to work as a team to make significant progress on our goals.”

Adams County also recently launched a Going Solar section on its website, providing information and resources for residents, business owners, and solar contractors to learn more about installing solar systems.

“Adams County continues to support the development of a strong renewable energy economy, including the development of solar resources across our county,” said Julia Ferguson, the county’s sustainability coordinator. “Through the SolSmart program and with the support of the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Lab, the county has removed barriers to access for solar energy and made it easier for every home and business owner to go solar.”

To learn more about Adams County’s Sustainability program, including solar projects and the Sustainable Adams County 2030 Plan, visit adcogov.org/sustainability.