Clean Power Finance (San Francisco, California, US) has released a study looking at the obstacles posed by permitting for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations in the United States, which it says is the largest of its kind to date.

More than one in three installers surveyed reported avoiding the sale of PV systems in certain areas due to permitting difficulties. The report also found that permitting varies widely and usually involves between two to five distinct agencies with different processes.

"Strong initial interest in the National Solar Permitting Database makes it clear that people want to address permitting obstacles but aren’t quite sure where to start," said Clean Power Finance Senior Director James Tong.

"This study provides valuable data that will help identify areas for improvement and cooperation that will bring down costs for everyone and advance the adoption of solar."


Study to provide metrics for measuring permitting reform progress

Clean Power Finance undertook the study in preparation for the National Solar Permitting Database (NSPD), which is funded in part by Clean Power Finance and in part by a grant from the US Department of Energy through its SunShot Initiative.

The study's purpose was to establish baseline metrics to which progress can be measured, as well as providing industry direction as to areas of potential improvement. Clean Power Finance will publish findings periodically throughout 2013 in white papers on the NSPD website.


Average of 8 weeks for permitting

The study found that 11% of installations encounter a situation where requirements for solar permitting have not yet been set. Clean Power Finance also found that permitting authorities require an average of 8 work weeks to complete their tasks, while staff times for installers average only 14.25 hours.

The study involved 273 residential installers in 12 states, including the leading PV markets of California, New Jersey and Arizona, which comprise more than 90% of the nation's residential PV market.

2012-12-29 | Courtesy: Clean Power Finance | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

Our editorial selection of breaking solar news is published at:
www.solarserver.com/solar-magazine/solar-news/top-solar-news.html