Key Highlights:
- New Jersey lawmakers introduce bills to speed up rooftop solar permits.
- Permit delays cause 22% of solar projects to be canceled in the state.
- New platform would offer faster, automated solar permit approvals.
- Supporters say faster permits will save $87 million by 2030.
New Jersey is taking steps to make rooftop solar permits faster and easier. Lawmakers have introduced two bills aimed at reducing delays that often lead to higher costs and canceled projects.
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A-5264, sponsored by Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak (D-18), and its companion bill, S-4100, sponsored by Senator John McKeon (D-27), are being reviewed. These bills have backing from Environment New Jersey, NJBIA, and 31 other organizations.
Supporters say New Jersey has some of the slowest solar permitting times in the country. Due to these delays, about 22% of rooftop solar projects get canceled, and costs increase by $3,800 to $4,500 per project.
The bills propose using automated tools like SolarAPP+, which has already helped 181 communities nationwide by issuing over 46,500 permits. If passed, the legislation will require the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs to set up an online State Smart Solar Permitting Platform, available 24/7 except for maintenance.
Local agencies must use this platform or an approved alternative to process applications faster. Doug O’Malley, director of Environment New Jersey, emphasized that automated platforms will remove unnecessary red tape, making it easier for homeowners to go solar.
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If approved, these bills could lead to a faster and more efficient solar permitting process, saving residents money and boosting clean energy jobs across New Jersey.
