Navigating the intricacies of solar permitting can be a challenging process, often leading to delays and added costs. Fortunately, several free tools are available to help streamline this vital step, making it easier to get your solar projects up and running. Here are the three best resources to consider. 1. SolarAPP Developed by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the Semi Automated Permit Processing tool or SolarApp is an online platform that simplifies the solar permitting process. It enables applicants to submit necessary documents electronically, ensuring faster approvals and reducing the back-and-forth typically associated with local jurisdictions. 2. BuildZoom While primarily a contractor database, BuildZoom provides valuable insights into permitting processes across the United States. Users can compare permit timelines and view historical data related to solar permits in their area, aiding in better preparation and understanding of potential hurdles. By utilizing these tools, you can enhance your efficiency and reduce delays in the permitting process, paving the way for a successful solar installation. 3. SolarTRACE Viewer by National Renewable Energy Laboratory Developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the SolarTRACE Viewer is a powerful tool designed to assist in tracking solar photovoltaic projects throughout the United States. By providing access to a comprehensive database of solar installations, users can research project specifications, statuses, and even overall market trends. This tool enhances visibility into solar development and fosters informed decision-making for both consumers and industry professionals. With its user-friendly interface and extensive resources, SolarTRACE Viewer is an invaluable asset for navigating the solar landscape efficiently. 4. SolSmart Designations Numerous cities and counties nationwide have received SolSmart Awards, a program that acknowledges communities for streamlining the process of installing solar panels, making it quicker, simpler, and more cost-effective. This national recognition is granted based on solar-friendly policies and practices, with communities being awarded Gold, Silver, or Bronze designations across five categories: permitting and inspection, planning and zoning, government operations, community engagement, and market development, all aimed at promoting the use of local solar energy. Image Source: GreenLancer How Long is the Average Solar Permitting Time? By prioritizing efficiency and simplicity while ensuring compliance, they have significantly reduced administrative burdens and accelerated the adoption of renewable energy. In these leading states, the total time for obtaining a solar permit—including inspections and interconnection processes—ranges between 25 and 30 days but can take up to 100 days on average without streamlining tools like those above. What Are the Fastest Solar Permitting States? These states have successfully implemented streamlined procedures, standardized solar permit application forms, and expedited review timelines to facilitate rapid solar permit approvals. 1. New York: Fast Solar Permit Process New York is recognized for its rapid solar permitting for residential projects, typically taking just 25 days. The New York State Unified Solar Permit (NYS-USP) is designed to enhance the installation of small-scale solar energy systems by implementing a uniform permit process within the NY-Sun program. This initiative aims to reduce costs, simplify procedures, and decrease wait times. Various municipalities, such as New Rochelle and New York City, provide online solar permitting options, while Rochester offers same-day in-person permitting. However, as of September 2023, no authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) have yet embraced the SolarAPP+ program.. Gold SolSmart Designations: Erie County, Orange County, New York City, Suffolk County Bronze: Brookhaven, Huntington 2. Nevada: Quick Turnaround Times for Solar Permits In Nevada, solar installers generally experience swift permitting processes, especially in Las Vegas. While no authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) in the state have embraced the SolarAPP+ program, the expedited solar inspections contribute to a smoother workflow. However, the average time for post-installation interconnection is comparatively longer, averaging around 19 days. Las Vegas provides both online permitting and same-day in-person services without the need for a structural review, while Reno, recognized as a SolSmart Silver Awardee, also offers similar online permitting options. Gold SolSmart Designation: Las Vegas Silver: Reno Bronze: Clark County Read more about Nevada's solar incentives here. 3. California: Innovator in Streamlining Solar Permits California is at the forefront of optimizing solar permitting, revolutionizing the approval process for photovoltaic (PV) systems. Legislation such as the Solar Permitting Efficiency Act (AB 2188) has established standardised procedures and minimised administrative hurdles. Various jurisdictions, including Fresno, San Francisco, and Stockton, are either piloting or have fully implemented the SolarAPP+ platform, with many cities providing same-day in-person permitting options. Nevertheless, an average inspection duration of 18 days may lead to potential delays. Gold SolSmart Designations: Berkeley, Concord, Cupertino, Davis, Fremont, Huntington Beach, Oakland, Palm Springs, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Monica, Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, Torrance Silver: Hawthorne, San Leandro Bronze: Costa County, Inyo County, Marin County, Redondo Beach, San Diego County, Santa Barbara County, Yolo County Read more about California solar incentives here. 4. Texas: Fast Solar Permitting & PV Interconnection Municipalities across Texas are recognized for their efficient solar permitting application and inspection procedures. The average inspection time is just 8 days, showcasing notable efficiency, especially in larger urban areas such as Austin and Houston, which allocate specific resources for renewable energy initiatives. Houston is currently testing the SolarAPP+ platform, and nearly all major cities provide online solar permitting options. Gold SolSmart Designations: Austin, El Paso Silver: San Antonio, Brownsville Bronze: Plano Read More about Texas solar incentives here. 5. Illinois: A Leader In Fast Solar Panel Permits Illinois has established itself as a frontrunner in expediting permitting timelines for photovoltaic (PV) projects up to 10 kW. Recently enacted legislation aims to standardize the permitting procedures for renewable energy installations, encompassing both solar and wind projects. Though many major cities in Illinois provide online permitting options, none of the authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) are currently utilising the SolarAPP+ platform. Gold SolSmart Designations: Aurora, Carol Stream, Chicago, Deerfield, Elgin, Evanston, Freeport, Lake County, Mount Prospect, Rockford, Skokie, Urbana, Waukegan, Will County Silver: Libertyville, Naperville, Schaumburg Bronze: Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Lake Forest The Best Marketplace for Solar Project Procurement Contact US Solar Supplier for one click procurement of all your solar needs including Tier 1 solar panels, inverters, battery storage solutions, mounting and racking.
