Lexington Recognized For Advancing Solar Energy Growth

LEXINGTON, MA — Lexington received the Bronze designation from the national SolSmart program for making it faster, easier, and more affordable for homes and businesses to go solar.

The designation recognizes Lexington for taking bold steps to encourage solar energy growth and remove obstacles to solar development. For companies looking to expand, a SolSmart Bronze designation is a signal that Lexington is “open for solar business.”

SolSmart is led by The Solar Foundation and the International City/County Management Association and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office. More than 380 cities, counties, and small towns have achieved SolSmart designation since the program launched in 2016.

“Receiving a Bronze designation is just the first step; we are already on our way to achieving SolSmart Silver,” said Sustainability Director Stella Carr. “We hope these efforts have a tangible impact in our community and advance solar energy growth for our residents and businesses.”

To receive designation, municipalities make changes to their local processes to reduce the time and money it takes to install a solar energy system. This includes evaluating local permitting processes, as well as planning and zoning procedures. SolSmart designees also develop innovations in areas such as market development and finance.

Town staff worked together to create resources to aid residents in learning how to get solar projects under way.

SolSmart uses objective criteria to award communities points based on the actions they take to reduce barriers to solar energy development. Communities that take sufficient action are designated either gold, silver, or bronze.

As part of the SolSmart program, a team of national experts provides no-cost technical assistance to help communities achieve designation. All municipalities, counties, and regional organizations are eligible to join the SolSmart program and receive technical assistance.