Posted by Kira Costanza
Much of my policy work in Harrisburg has revolved around removing obstacles to the deployment of solar in the past 6-9 months.
Since the PA Sunshine program opened and solar installations began appearing throughout the state, local code officials and townships, having never been faced with such a permit application, have responded in one of 2 ways - constructive inquisitiveness or flat out mistrust.
First, they ask questions. They want to learn and work with us to understand wiring diagrams, safety and structural concerns and general information about solar systems. At SunPower we love the opportunity to educate local government on the process of going solar and how to facilitate more and more installations in their municipalities. We share a draft solar ordinance and Municipal Guidebook, created after months of hard work in the Gov's Solar Working Group. We also invite inspectors and code officials ot visit our installations and learn about solar! This approach has proved mutually beneficial, and we encourage all PA installers, new and old, to remain engaged with townships in which you are working, to support the continued growth of our industry. No permit = no project, and more often than not, a friendly explanation can help to push even those that are inherently distrustful of something new, to embrace solar energy.
Here is an example (of many!) of this mentality in PA:
http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/west/index.ssf?/base/news/1271285756226990.xml&coll=1
This article states that "commissioners don't want solar panels piling up willy-nilly in residential neighborhoods" and Until this mentality shifts, both amongst consumers (who still often do not want solar panels installed on the 'front' of their roof - even if it is the south-facing side!) AND code officials, solar will not take its place in our communities as a permitted use and as our energy future.
Having trouble with a township? Call us! We'd love to help out.
610.489.1105 - ask for Kira.
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