City of Athens Earns SolSmart Platinum Designation, Cementing Its Role as a National Sustainability Leader

ATHENS, Ohio — The City of Athens has been awarded the prestigious SolSmart Platinum designation, the highest honor in a national program that recognizes local governments for advancing solar energy adoption. As the first city in Ohio to earn the Platinum designation and among the first ten communities nationally, Athens continues to set a benchmark in sustainable innovation and environmental stewardship.

SolSmart, a program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office, recognizes communities that make it faster, easier, and more affordable to go solar. To earn the Platinum designation, Athens implemented instant solar permitting, installed solar on city-owned facilities, publicly posted solar metrics, and fostered strategic community partnerships that support long-term solar development.

“Athens, Ohio has long been a beacon of environmental stewardship in Appalachia and across the United States. The designation of SolSmart Platinum is a testament to years of hard work, community collaboration and forward-thinking leadership,” said Athens Mayor Steve Patterson. “It’s not just about solar energy — it’s about building a resilient, equitable, and energy-secure future for the citizens of Athens.”

Athens’ leadership in sustainability is deeply rooted in its partnership with the Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC), a shared energy office supporting innovation across the state of Ohio. Through SOPEC, Athens has implemented or embraced trailblazing programs, including the launch of the nation’s first ever carbon fee, participation in the RIDES electric vehicle charging network, and community choice aggregation that utilizes 100% renewable energy by default. 

Approved by 76% of Athens voters in 2018 and launched in 2020, Athens’ carbon fee adds 0.2 cents per kilowatt-hour to the standard electric aggregation rate. The fee, which generates roughly $100,000 annually, funds behind-the-meter solar installations at high-value public sites. To date, it has enabled the development of 2.5 megawatts of solar at the City pool, wastewater treatment plant, community center, armory, and fire station. The combined energy savings generated from these solar projects positively impacts the City’s annual budget and thus, taxpayers in the City. 

Additionally, Athens is a key partner in SOPEC’s Responsive Interregional Deployment of Electrification Solutions (RIDES) initiative, which is building a robust electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across Southeast and Southwest Ohio. This project enhances regional connectivity and advances transportation electrification, while also driving economic development.

Lastly, the City of Athens was one of SOPEC’s three founding member communities in 2014. Today, SOPEC acts as a shared energy office for nearly 50 members across the state of Ohio, with its headquarters in Athens, Ohio. Through its community choice electric aggregation program, SOPEC offers participating communities 100% renewable energy by default at competitive rates. Athens not only participates in the electric aggregation program, but also acts as a trailblazer within the organization by implementing innovative strategies to move the sustainability needle. 

These initiatives have propelled Athens to the forefront of national sustainability efforts. SolSmart’s technical assistance program has played a pivotal role in helping the City streamline permitting, reduce solar soft costs and accelerate market growth.

“Platinum status from SolSmart reflects the City of Athens’ comprehensive approach to solar energy, integrating policy, infrastructure and community engagement,” said SOPEC Executive Director Luke Sulfridge. “This recognition affirms that small communities can lead boldly and effectively on climate and energy.”

The City of Athens has also partnered with Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO) since 2020. PCFO is a nonprofit organization that provides member governments with free technical assistance and resources to help reduce emissions, improve municipal operations, and advance clean energy initiatives. PCFO has worked with Athens on assessing city-wide emissions and supported planning and scoping efforts for local clean energy projects.

“The City of Athens’ SolSmart Platinum designation is exceptional and well-deserved recognition for a community that has long led on sustainability,” said PCFO Executive Director Joe Flarida. “With Mayor Patterson’s leadership and the dedicated work of city staff, Athens continues to shine as a model of local climate action for other communities in Ohio and throughout the region.”

As climate change continues to present mounting challenges, Athens stands as a model for how municipalities can lead the clean energy transition on the local level. The SolSmart Platinum designation celebrates more than solar success; it recognizes a deeply rooted, community-driven commitment to a sustainable future.