Washington State takes steps to cut rooftop solar red tape

Washington has become the latest state to make moves to streamline permitting for rooftop solar. In the budget passed last week,  lawmakers set aside $600,000 to administer a grant program designed to help cities and counties automate the permitting process for solar, in-home energy storage, electric vehicle chargers, and other applicable clean energy technologies.

Solar projects approved through the online automated permit processing software, SolarAPP+, which was developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory are installed and inspected faster, with a lower likelihood of inspection failure compared to traditional methods.

“Washington needs more rooftop solar, and less red tape,” said Johanna Neumann, Senior Director of Environment America’s Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy. “When communities automate permitting for rooftop solar systems it makes going solar faster, cheaper and easier. Kudos to Washington lawmakers for supporting the transition to automated permitting.”

Eligible communities will receive grants of at least $20,000 to cover costs associated with switching over to automated permitting. To be eligible, a city or county simply needs to submit a notice of intent.