Governor Hickenlooper Signs ‘Fair Permit Act’ Into Law

June 10, 2011 

Solar Energy Costs Decrease for Homeowners & Businesses As Governor Hickenlooper Signs 'Fair Permit Act' into Law

The Solar Alliance & Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association applaud passage of groundbreaking legislation
 
DENVER - June 10, 2011 - Costs to install solar technology are set to decrease in Colorado under new legislation signed into law by Governor Hickenlooper on Friday. Known as the Fair Permit Act, HB-1199 will save homeowners and businesses hundreds of dollars on permit-related fees to install solar electric and solar thermal systems.
 
In what will likely become a new national model for lowering solar fees, the Fair Permit Act flew through the legislature by large majorities.The bipartisan legislation was sponsored by Representative Bob Gardner and Senator Bob Bacon.
 
"The solar industry applauds Governor Hickenlooper for signing the fair solar permitting act," said Carrie Cullen Hitt, President of the Solar Alliance. "This important legislation streamlines government permitting processes to create jobs while reducing red tape.
 
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, permitting, inspection, interconnection and other non-hardware costs comprise about 30-40% of the total installed cost of a solar system.

"Solar costs have just come down in Colorado," said Neal Lurie, executive director of the nonprofit Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association. "This bipartisan legislation helps promote local economic development and reinforces Colorado's role as a national leader in solar energy."
 
Most solar installations require a permit from a local government or state agency, which can add about $2,516 per U.S. residential installation on average and can exceed $100,000 for large-scale installations, according to a recent national study. This legislation has received national attention and has been closely followed by solar businesses across the U.S. and beyond.
 
The Fair Permit Act limits solar permit and related fees to a local government's actual costs in issuing the permit, not to exceed $500 for a residential installation or $1,000 for a commercial system. This legislation also closed loopholes and improves transparency in the permit process.
 
The U.S. Department of Energy, through its SunShot Program, has recently set a goal to reduce permit and inspection costs by 88% by streamlining processes and reducing unnecessary fees. 
 
 
About the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association:
Established in 1989, the nonprofit Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (COSEIA) is the voice of the solar industry in Colorado. COSEIA represents and serves more than 200 member companies in Colorado. Its mission is to expand solar markets and generate jobs and prosperity for the people of Colorado. COSEIA advances solar policy, removes market barriers, highlights emerging trends, and improves education and outreach.www.coseia.org
 
About the Solar Alliance:
The Solar Alliance is a state-focused alliance of solar manufacturers, integrators, and financiers, specifically working with state administrators, legislators, and utilities to establish cost-effective solar policies and programs.

Contact:
Neal Lurie, Executive Director, COSEIA
nlurie@coseia.org | 303.333.7342