ACOG Earns National SolSmart Silver Designation for Advancing Solar Energy in Central Oklahoma

The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) received a Silver designation from the national SolSmart program for promoting the development of solar energy and making it more accessible and attainable for Central Oklahoma communities.

Solar energy development supports regional economic and environmental goals outlined in ACOG plans including the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), Regional Air Quality Plan, and Climate Action Plans.

As a SolSmart Silver designee, ACOG has pursued nationally recognized best practices to advance the solar market.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the state of Oklahoma is ranked 6th in the U.S. for solar potential, yet Oklahoma is in the bottom 10 states for solar development.

SolSmart is led by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office. Over 500 cities, towns, counties, and regional organizations have achieved SolSmart designation since the program launched in 2016.

“With SolSmart designation we want to provide the communities we serve with information on best practices in planning and zoning for solar PV, consumer protection, and financial incentives,” said Mark W. Sweeney, AICP, ACOG Executive Director. “We want residents to benefit from the reduced air pollution, job creation, cost savings, and potential grid resiliency solar development offers.”

Businesses, cities and school districts in Central Oklahoma are taking action to make it faster, easier, and more affordable for local residents, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to install solar in this community.

In 2023, Solarize OKC (a City of Oklahoma City-led a public-private coalition campaign) provided residents with volume discounts on materials and installation services through OKC-based solar installer EightTwenty. Milestones included 1,472 kW of solar energy capacity and 2.75 million pounds of avoided CO2 emissions. The City has been a SolSmart designated city since 2017.

The City of Norman led a similar group purchasing campaign in 2024 and has installed two large solar arrays at their water treat plant and water reclamation facility. The 2.3 MW total installation is designed to offset 30% of the annual electrical needs for the next 25 years.

Norman Public Schools estimates that a Norman North High School solar rooftop system installed in 2023 will save the district $1 million over 30 years.

Central Oklahoma businesses and nonprofits that have installed solar include: Captain’s Sports Lounge, John Vance Ford, Pella Windows & Doors, Restore OKC, Simple Modern, Skydance Brewing Co., and Stonecloud Brewing Company.

There are 15 utility scale solar installations in Oklahoma.

SolSmart designees are now in 43 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Any city, town, county, and regional organization is eligible to join the program. Interested communities can learn more at SolSmart.org.

Find solar information and resources at acogok.org/solar.