The Impact of Local Permitting on the Cost of Solar Power

Streamlined permitting can make solar affordable for 50% of American homes. Local permitting and inspection add $0.50 per watt, or $2,516 per residential install, to the cost of solar. Standardizing local permitting will transform residential solar by:

• Bringing the cost of solar to grid parity for 50% of Americans by 2013
• Closing Germany’s 40% cost advantage
• Delivering the equivalent of a new $1 billion solar subsidy over five years

Take action! Resources to help you streamline solar permitting in your jurisdiction:

• Vote Solar provides a toolkit to action.
• Solar America Board for Codes and Standards (Solar ABCs) has developed safe, effective standards with funding by the Department of Energy.