Massachusetts lawmakers are weighing an automated solar and battery permitting system designed to shrink solar and battery approval times for homeowners from months to about 24 hours. Today, statewide solar…
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Massachusetts lawmakers are weighing an automated solar and battery permitting system designed to shrink solar and battery approval times for homeowners from months to about 24 hours.
Today, statewide solar project permits average about 94 days, with Brookline projects taking roughly 125 days, according to a Brookline.News report. 
Brookline resident David Mendels reported to Brookline.News that six months passed due to permitting delays before he received approval to install solar panels on the roof of his home. His installation plans ultimately failed, however, due to a structural issue in the roof of the home.
An energy affordability omnibus bill in the Massachusetts legislature, however, could shorten approval times and reduce project costs. As Brookline.News noted, the bill has moved through the Massachusetts House and Senate and is awaiting conference committee reconciliation as of Thursday, Sept. 10.
Matthew McAllister, executive director of the automated solar permitting nonprofit Solar APP+, told Brookline.News that shorter approval periods could eliminate approximately $3,000 in expenses connected with storage, equipment, marketing, and projects that get suspended during long waits. He said a homeowner could complete a Solar APP+ application in approximately 30 minutes. If the application clears electrical and building review, the homeowner could receive an installation permit that same day.
“We want to reduce those upfront soft costs, so that way residents can benefit from the long-term savings that solar provides them,” McAllister said.
McAllister cited tools such as EnergySage, which can help homeowners estimate their costs and compare quotes for solar installations.
Brookline Sustainability and Natural Resources Director Alexandra Vecchio explained to Brookline.News that automated permitting would “allow us to more easily meet our climate goals,” considering that the software could reduce time and cost barriers to solar adoption in Brookline.
Recently retired building commissioner Dan Bennett, however, doesn’t feel that automated permitting is the solution to delays.
“It’s very difficult to do a one-size-fits-all because each city and town is different [in permitting codes],” he said. Bennett explained to Brookline.News that the existing permitting process requires one of five building inspectors to review applications related to their districts manually. 
“[Permit applicants] are not going to get the permit in a day. We always have to review [permits],” he explained.
Massachusetts isn’t the only state aiming to streamline rooftop solar and storage permitting. 
According to a report by The Cool Down, Connecticut and Virginia are accelerating home solar permitting to reduce installation delays and costs. Maryland and Virginia permit balcony solar systems that can reduce apartment utility bills. Oregon has allowed homeowners to claim up to $7,500 in solar and battery rebates.
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