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Southampton Town officials are considering joining in on a Long Island-wide initiative to create a fast-track permitting process for residential solar energy systems.
The measure, called the “Long Island Unified Solar Permitting Initiative,” is aimed at streamlining approvals for solar electric and hot water systems—a process that differs greatly between towns and villages across Long Island, according to a September press release issued by the Long Island Power Authority, one of the backers of the proposal. Towns that adopt a law opting into the initiative before Friday, December 30, will receive $15,000 from LIPA.
“Currently, the solar installation approval process for Long Island has a different set of regulations for each town and village, which creates confusion, delays and extra costs for many Long Islanders wishing to install photovoltaic systems on their homes with the hopes of improving the environment and lowering their energy bills,” stated the release. “This new permitting process, which will cover more than 80 percent of residential solar systems, will reduce costs, save time and improve public safety.”
Facets of the proposed law include a permit review and determination within 14 days, minimal or waived application fees and the creation of a central registry of solar installations. If enacted, the legislation would require individuals who wish to install solar panels to abide by a number of regulations, such as restrictions on the height of the systems. Applicants would also be required to submit drawings from a professional engineer or registered architect depicting the layout of the system on the roof of the home.
Right now, Southampton Town has few regulations in place that monitor the actual installation of solar panels, according to officials. The solar initiative, sponsored by Town Councilwoman Nancy Graboski, was the subject of a public hearing before the Town Board on Tuesday, November 29.
Chief Building Inspector Michael Benincasa said that currently solar panel systems that are mounted parallel or flat to the roof of a home in Southampton Town don’t require building permits. He said the town has little oversight on the mounting of the system to the roof.
“When they’re installed, we can’t tell if they’ve been installed properly,” he said.
R. Sail Van Nostrand, the owner and operator of the solar energy systems company Energy By Choice, Ltd. in Northport, spoke in favor of the proposal and explained at the meeting that it would help ensure systems are installed properly. He also cited several towns in Suffolk County that were considering the law.
Town Board members expressed some reservations about the proposal. Town Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst said she was concerned about placing financial burdens on local residents or businesses with some of the requirements. Town Councilwoman Bridget Fleming said she would like more time to consider the legislation. Town Councilman Chris Nuzzi said creating the additional regulations on the process is a “tough sell.”
The board discussed the initiative again at a Friday, December 9 work session. Ms. Throne-Holst offered alternate legislation that removes the requirement for certification of plans by an engineer or architect. The Town Board adjourned the public hearing to Tuesday, December 13.
Rohma Abbas on Dec 12, 2011