Targets send a strong signal that a local government is serious about developing renewable energy sources and provides a tangible goal to work towards. Targets can come as a percent (20% by 2020), or can be defined in installed capacity, in watts, usually megawatts (for example 1025 MW by 2015).

Targets are a basic policy, and require further policy mechanisms to enable a local government to reach this target. Target setting alone generally will not lead to the acheivement of a target. 

Targets initiate the next step, set the municipality on a pathway to becoming a sustainable energy community. Targets set a goal that can give impetus to a series of actions that result in a sustainable energy action plan. A clear goal can smooth and speed up the process of developing renewable energy policies to support and meet the target.