Local governments have a big role to play in solar energy development. From planning and zoning to permitting and inspections to resident education, you can encourage the adoption and affordability of solar in your community.

Solar resources for local governments

• Solarize Oakland County- A series of community solar education and bulk-buy events hosted by Oakland County. Each event covers costs, benefits, and payback periods for onsite solar. Attendees can reduce costs by combining the event-exclusive bulk-buy discount (up to 15%) with 30% federal solar tax credits.

Guides and Education:

• Oakland County Planner's Gathering Webinar - Best practices in planning and zoning for solar photovoltaics.
• SolarApp+ is a software that helps automate permit approvals for rooftop solar, decreasing the cost and time needed for permit processing.
• Planning & Zoning for Solar Energy Systems: A Guide for Michigan Local Governments - University of Michigan's Graham Sustainability Institute for EmPowering Communities
• Balancing the Books When Hosting Renewable Energy: A Guide for Michigan Local Governments - University of Michigan's Graham Sustainability Institute for EmPowering Communities
• Strategies for Renewable Energy Revenue: A Guide for Michigan Local Governments - University of Michigan's Graham Sustainability Institute for EmPowering Communities
• Supporting Community-Centered Solar Development: A Guide to Hosting Community Conversations About Large-Scale Solar Development - University of Michigan's Graham Sustainability Institute for EmPowering Communities
• Energy Ready has a toolkit for understanding federal and state policies affecting solar development.
• SolSmart is a free designation and technical assistance program that helps local governments accelerate the growth of affordable solar in their communities. You can explore their resource library without designation, which has many trainings including fire safety best practices.
• Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has a hub of solar resources.
• Michigan Department of Natural Resources has best practices for wildlife management around solar development.
• The Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association is a non-profit that supports the expansion and adoption of renewable energy in Michigan. They have resources such as the Solarize program, the Solar for Schools Guidebook, and the GLREA Solar Guidebook
• ICMA is an association of local government professionals that offers solar resources such as case studies, research, and the Solar@Scale series exploring how local governments can improve large-scale solar development.
• The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has resources including data sets and tools, education, research, and technical assistance.
• Oakland County has aggregated solar resources for residents on our website.

Financing and Grants:

• Direct pay: Although the federal solar tax credit is being phased out, entities eligible for direct pay (non-profits, places of worship, local governments, commercial businesses) can still receive a federal solar tax credit through 2027, although additional restrictions go into effect in July of 2026.
• Renewable Ready Communities: The State of Michigan offers grant awards to local governments that work with solar developers on utility-scale solar.
• Michigan Saves offers up to $10 million in financing to local governments, schools, utilities, and community organizations for larger projects, including solar generation and battery storage.
• Property owners in your community are eligible for PACE financing for solar and other sustainability focused projects. Oakland County has a PACE financing district.