New bill to speed up solar permitting process in California

Aug 25, 2014 - The California State Legislature on Thursday gave the thumbs-up to a new bill that aims to streamline the process for permitting residential solar projects, the California State Assembly Democratic Caucus said on its website.

Assembly Bill (AB) 2188 will require cities and counties in California to adopt an ordinance that will speed up the permitting and inspection process for residential rooftop photovoltaic (PV) projects and reduce bureaucratic delays. If turned into law, the so-called Solar Permitting Efficiency Act will not allow homeowner associations to pass restrictions that lift the cost of PV systems by over USD 1,000 (EUR 758,000).

The bill is now subject to approval by state governor Jerry Brown, with a decision expected to be issued by September 30.

The streamlined permitting process can save each client willing to go solar at least USD 1,000, industry officials calculate. In addition, the initiative is seen to boost local investments, the State Assembly noted.

According to a recent study by the University of California, Los Angeles, the installation of solar plants at 5% of Los Angeles County houses will open 28,000 jobs.

(USD 1.0 = EUR 0.758)

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