California simplifies solar panel permit process

It is projected that over one million more solar panels will be installed on roofs in California over the next few years, thanks to California's Governor, Jerry Brown. Governor Brown is helping solar power San Diego ventures, as well as other cities statewide, in their advancement through the signing the California Senate Bill 1222.

The California Senate Bill 1222 simplifies the process of acquiring the permits – business, residential, or other – needed to install rooftop solar panels. The bill will limit and standardize the fees that a county or city can charge within the permit process. Although the cost of acquiring permits differs across the state, the new bill states that in general, “high permitting fees increase the costs of installations and reduce the ability for solar to be deployed across all income spectrums.”

Under the bill, it will be easier for all residential and business owners to obtain permits to install solar panels. Following the permit process, they can then continue to contact a solar panel installation company, such as Solaire Energy Systems, to install the solar panels on their roofs. The solar panels will then lower their utility bills and help California lessen its carbon footprint.

Governor Brown, in addition to the California Senate Bill 1222, also signed 18 additional new clean energy bills into state law. If California wishes to become a true green economy, then such legislative action is necessary.