L&I just announced changes to streamline the solar process

Getting solar in Philadelphia just got a little bit easier.

The city announced today that solar projects will be allowed to use a new EZ permit for qualifying installations up to 10 kilowatts in capacity. Combined with a rollout of online permitting, it should be an easier, faster, and more affordable option.

Solarize Philly is offering an additional “EZ Permit Discount” of $250 to participants who sign a contract before November 30th. The Pennsylvania Energy Authority (PEA) encourages interested residents to sign up on Solarize Philly’s website, and candidates will be referred to Solar States for a free solar assessment. Households that qualify based on income will be invited to participate in the Solar Savings Progam, which pairs grants and financing for low-to-moderate-income households.

The Solar Savings Grant Program still has a few spots remaining for qualified applicants so property owners are strongly encouraged to apply quickly.

The building permit fee reduction and Solar EZ Permit represent improvements to the established solar permitting process, which was developed by L&I in partnership with the Philadelphia Office of Sustainability in 2016 and included an expedited review for solar permits and the exclusion of certain equipment costs in the electrical permit fee calculation. 

Main photo: Solarize Philly, Facebook

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher