🔒Lamont proposes streamlined solar permitting system

Gov. Ned Lamont has proposed legislation that would create a statewide automated permitting system for residential solar installations, a move aimed at accelerating clean energy development amid the loss of federal tax incentives. House Bill 5036 would require the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) to implement an internet-based “smart solar permitting platform” by July 1, 2028. The system would automatically review applications and instantly issue building permits for small rooftop solar systems that comply with state building codes. Under the proposal, municipalities would be required to accept building permits issued through the automated system. However, cities and towns would retain the option to implement their own alternative systems that meet the same standards by Jan. 1, 2029. The legislation defines residential solar photovoltaic systems as equipment with a nameplate capacity of 12 kilowatts or less installed on single-family or multifamily home roofs. The governor’s office said the current permitting process creates delays and increases costs for solar installations at a critical time. “Getting rooftop solar permitted and interconnected requires multiple permits from local jurisdictions and the utility companies,” according to a fact sheet from the governor’s office. “This slows down and increases costs for installation, a timely and pressing issue with the removal of federal tax credits.” Some municipalities already use streamlined solar permitting systems. The governor’s office cited East Hartford and Guilford as examples of towns using SolarAPP+, a system developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The proposed platform would need to process permit applications for at least 75% of residential rooftop solar systems that weigh 4 pounds or less per square foot and comply with state building code requirements. It would operate 24 hours a day — except during system maintenance — and would accept digital signatures, stamps and seals on applications. Municipalities that implement alternative systems would be required to submit compliance reports to the DAS commissioner within 60 days and file annual reports beginning July 1, 2029. Towns using the statewide platform would need to revise their permitting fee schedules by Jan. 1, 2029, to reflect any cost reductions from the automated system. The bill also addresses energy infrastructure on state property. It would exempt electric vehicle charging stations and solar facilities on developed state land from environmental impact evaluations under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act when the property owner receives state funding. Additionally, the legislation would authorize the DAS commissioner to enter into financing agreements with property owners, utilities or third-party financing providers for installing electric vehicle charging infrastructure, renewable energy generation or energy storage systems at state-leased properties. The bill has been referred to the Energy and Technology Committee.