A registration system designed to streamline the permitting process for small-scale solar installations has gone into effect in Vermont, says Vermont-based solar technology manufacturer AllEarth Renewables. The registration process was signed into law in May.
With the newly implemented law, small solar systems now have a simple, predetermined process that reduces paperwork and allows the array to be installed after just 10 days, according to AllEarth Renewables.
The new process replaces all permitting for ground- or roof-mounted solar systems 5 kW and smaller with a single basic registration form outlining the system components, configuration and compliance with interconnection requirements. The local utility has 10 days to raise any interconnection issues; otherwise, a permit, known as a Certificate of Public Good, is granted and the project may be installed.
‘Cutting out unnecessary costs will help us both meet our urgent energy needs and make domestic solar more competitive,’ says David Blittersdorf, president and CEO of AllEarth Renewables. ‘We've had the Department of Energy, U.S. Senate offices, state governments, and local installers all calling to ask about how we took this simple, commonsense step.’