This guide describes a variety of approaches that local governments can use to advance climate and energy goals by meeting some or all of their electricity needs through on-site renewable energy generation. The sections in this guide discuss how local governments can work with utilities, local businesses, nonprofit groups, residents, state agencies, and green power marketers and brokers to plan and implement on-site renewable energy generation projects at local government facilities and throughout the community. It is designed to be used by municipal energy coordinators, local energy and environment agency staff, environmental and energy advisors to elected officials, utility staff, and community groups.

Readers of the guide should come away with an understanding of the different types of on-site renewable energy technologies and applications, strategies for designing successful installations, and the associated financial considerations. The guide highlights examples of successful on-site renewable installations from across the United States to demonstrate how these technologies can help meet the diverse energy needs of communities of different sizes, governance structures, and locations.

• On-Site Renewable Energy Generation (PDF)(42 pp, 3 MB)