Standardizing and Streamlining Solar PV Permit Processes in Greater Philadelphia

DVRPC is working with municipalities to develop a standardized and streamlined permit and inspection process for small scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations in Greater Philadelphia. The Solar Energy Industries Association estimates that the national average installed cost of a PV system has declined 60 percent since the beginning of 2011, and this is largely driven by falling prices for the hardware costs of solar panels, inverters, and other physical components of the system.1 During that same period, the "soft costs" of solar installations – such as permitting, inspection, and financing – have remained relatively constant and thus make up an increasingly large share of total installed cost. Today, soft costs can account for as much as 60 percent of the installed cost of a solar PV system.

Benefits of a standardized and streamlined permit process across the region

  • Will help lower the installed cost for solar PV for the applicant and save municipalities time and money on the review and inspection process.
  • Takes advantage of the many common characteristics inherent in most of the small-scale PV systems installed today. These commonalities mean that the majority of small scale PV systems (<15kW) can be permitted quickly and easily – just as with other common accessory uses or building equipment.
  • When a process is simplified and clearly laid out, the number of accurate permit applications increases, minimizing review time for the municipalities and lowering the installed cost for the applicant.
  • Helps municipalities and the solar industry proactively and effectively manage and encourage the growing market for small scale PV systems in southeastern PA. The solar market is growing at a rapid pace, with the value of solar installations in the U.S. rising from $6 billion in 2010 to $11.5 billion in 2014. Helping to lower soft costs and thereby encouraging solar adoption will have a broader positive impact on the economy. In New Jersey a new job is created for every 5 residential solar installations, while in PA, a new job is created for every 4 residential solar installations.2 The benefits of job creation typically stay local where the solar PV systems are installed and financed, providing local governments with a substantial opportunity for economic development.

Draft Permitting Guidance Resource [3.5 MB pdf]

Municipalities and installers can access a working draft of DVRPC's Solar Permitting Guide here [3.5 MB pdf]. This guide leverages existing permitting guidance that has been developed around the country. DVRPC will work with municipalities and installers in the region to cater this guidance to meet the needs of our region.

How Can Your Municipality Participate?

Municipalities interested in revising permitting process can take advantage of free technical assistance from DVRPC. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Liz Compitello at 215.238.2897 or ecompitello@dvrpc.org.

1 Tracking the Sun VI: The Installed Cost of Photovoltaics in the US from 1998-2012 (LBNL)
2 Currently, NJ ranks 3rd in the nation for solar jobs and Pennsylvania ranks 11th.