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Patience is a virtue: A data-driven analysis of rooftop solar PV permitting timelines in the United States

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  • O'Shaughnessy, Eric
  • Barbose, Galen
  • Wiser, Ryan

Abstract

Local permitting can ensure the safe installation and operation of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. At the same time, burdensome local permitting processes and local variation in requirements may pose challenges to PV deployment. In this article, we explore new data on the durations between key steps in the PV permitting process in the United States. The data suggest that a typical customer can expect to wait around 25–100 days from permit application until an installed system passes inspection. Permit durations vary significantly across jurisdictions, due in part to differences in local permitting policies. However, permit durations vary as significantly within jurisdictions as across them, in part due to significant variation across installers, suggesting that installer strategies and practices play an important role in permitting timelines. Permit durations have declined over time, reflecting progress from permit streamlining policies and jurisdiction learning-by-doing, though durations have stabilized in recent years. The data suggest that typical PV customers still face long and uncertain permitting timelines in the United States.

Suggested Citation

  • O'Shaughnessy, Eric & Barbose, Galen & Wiser, Ryan, 2020. "Patience is a virtue: A data-driven analysis of rooftop solar PV permitting timelines in the United States," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 144(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:144:y:2020:i:c:s0301421520303517
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2020.111615
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    Cited by:

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    3. Cook, Jeffrey J. & Cruce, Jesse & O'Shaughnessy, Eric & Ardani, Kristen & Margolis, Robert, 2021. "Exploring the link between project delays and cancelation rates in the U.S. rooftop solar industry," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
    4. Cuenca, Juan J. & Daly, Hannah E. & Hayes, Barry P., 2023. "Sharing the grid: The key to equitable access for small-scale energy generation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 349(C).
    5. Neij, Lena & Nemet, Gregory, 2022. "Accelerating the low-carbon transition will require policy to enhance local learning," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).
    6. Daniele, Federica & Pasquini, Alessandra & Clò, Stefano & Maltese, Enza, 2023. "Unburdening regulation: The impact of regulatory simplification on photovoltaic adoption in Italy," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 125(C).
    7. O'Shaughnessy, Eric & Dong, Shiyuan & Cook, Jeffrey J. & Cruce, Jesse & Ardani, Kristen & Fekete, Emily & Margolis, Robert, 2022. "Effects of local permitting and interconnection requirements on solar PV installation durations," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).
    8. Kapsalis, Vasileios & Maduta, Carmen & Skandalos, Nikolaos & Wang, Meng & Bhuvad, Sushant Suresh & D'Agostino, Delia & Ma, Tao & Raj, Uday & Parker, Danny & Peng, Jinqing & Karamanis, Dimitris, 2024. "Critical assessment of large-scale rooftop photovoltaics deployment in the global urban environment," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 189(PB).

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