The Environment Virginia Research & Policy Center released a new report, “A 21st-Century Permitting Regime for Rooftop Solar and Home Batteries in Virginia,” at the Virginia Clean Energy Summit. The report, co-authored with Permit Power and the Chesapeake Solar and Storage Association (CHESSA), details the current state of solar permitting in Virginia.
As energy demand skyrockets in Virginia, the report finds that the state is ill-equipped to meet the moment. An antiquated, patchwork system of solar permitting requirements across Virginia is contributing to delays and pushing up costs for homeowners.
“Needless red tape is holding Virginia back from reaching our rooftop solar potential. With instant permitting we can put solar panels on the roofs of our homes and connect them to the grid as fast and hassle-free as possible, without compromising quality or safety,” said Elly Wilson, state director of Environment Virginia Research & Policy Center.
Key findings of the report include:
- 16% of residential solar projects that begin the permitting process are abandoned before completion, largely due to permitting barriers.
- The median wait time for a residential solar permit is nine business days, with some cities and counties typically reaching as long as 18 or 24 business days.
- The median time of the subsequent inspection process took an additional 13 days.
- Permitting and related bureaucratic costs can add $6,000 to $7,000 in additional expenses to residential solar systems.
- Residential solar costs roughly double what it would cost in Europe.
- The difficulties associated with the permitting process are contributing to delayed residential solar adoption in Virginia.
The report points to instant permitting as a key way to modernize the residential solar permitting process — using an automated system for reviewing solar installation plans. These platforms ask solar installers detailed questions regarding the electrical, structural and fire safety of a proposed solar system and then check whether the project is in compliance with local codes.
“Residential solar is a valuable tool for Virginia. Solar helps families lower their energy bills. And the more energy made locally in Virginia, such as from residential solar, helps keep costs down for all Virginians,” said Robin Dutta, Executive Director of CHESSA. “Counties in Virginia should modernize their permit processes and resources, adopt automated permitting and work with the residential solar industry to help Commonwealth residents to fight this energy affordability crisis.”
News item from the Environment Virginia Research & Policy Center
