The New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) has expressed support for a legislative bill aimed at accelerating the permit process for residential solar energy systems in New Jersey. The legislation, advanced by an Assembly committee, proposes the adoption of an automated online permitting platform to streamline reviews.
Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak (D-18) sponsors Bill A-5264, which was approved by the Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee. In parallel, Senator John McKeon (D-27) is sponsoring an identical bill in the Senate.
A coalition including Environment New Jersey, NJBIA, and 31 other organizations sent a letter to Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin highlighting New Jersey's slow solar permitting process in 2024. The letter states: “More solar installed will save New Jersey ratepayers more than $87 million by 2030 and add more than 560 clean energy jobs.”
The letter cites that despite declining installation costs over the past decade, local permitting delays lead to cancellations of about 22% of residential solar projects applying for permits. For successful projects, these delays increase homeowner costs by $3,800 to $4,500 according to an upcoming analysis by the Greenhouse Institute.
The proposed web-based system aims to reduce approval times and costs while conserving government resources without compromising safety or compliance standards. "Tried and tested automated permitting systems," such as SolarAPP+, developed by federal agencies are noted as being cost-free and user-friendly for government offices.
The software is reportedly operational in hundreds of jurisdictions nationwide and mandatory in two states. It allows installers to submit detailed project information online for automatic evaluation against building codes and safety standards. “If an application meets all requirements, permit approval is granted immediately,” enabling immediate commencement of installation.
The bill mandates that the state Department of Community Affairs create a State Smart Solar Permitting Platform available around-the-clock except during maintenance periods. Local enforcement agencies must use this platform or another compliant alternative for submitting residential solar system applications.
