Tag: permitting

  • City officials need to stop excessive solar fees

    How much time does it take to review the smallest change in an approved residential solar project plan set? That was my question for David Lopez, the chief building official in Berkeley, Calif., after his plan checkers charged a $200 fee to review a new weatherproof label that goes on the cover of the electrical……

  • SolarAPP+ now streamlining solar permits in 27 communities

    Residential solar permitting can be a pain point for installers, homeowners and local governments, if those local governments haven’t got up to speed on solar. The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and UL Solutions launched SolarAPP+ in 2021 to help change that. It is an automated permitting solution for local governments……

  • Searching AHJs for solar permitting? Check this free, crowd-sourced registry

    Every little step in residential solar project planning and design can add hours, days or more to the time that customers sit around and wait for installation to begin. High-volume system integrators reduce the wait by automating manual processes, one step at a time. But think about the time and moneyRead More — Solar Builder magazine

  • National forum launches to solve solar + storage codes, permitting challenges

    Solar and storage technology has come a long way, and now it’s time for the permitting process catch up. Clear and comprehensive procedures defining permitting, inspection and other requirements for solar and solar-plus-storage projects are essential to ensure the safety and quality of installed systems. A newly launched, three-year project,Read More — Solar Builder magazine

  • State of Virginia has a plan to make solar more accessible, affordable

    In the battle to grow solar energy adoption, the SolSmart program is on the frontlines, focusing on local-level inefficiencies. Municipalities and jurisdictions that follow its guidelines (stuff like streamlining permitting and easing zoning restrictions) have made huge strides in organically growing their solar industries. That’s why it’s encouraging to hear thatRead More — Solar Builder magazine