The United States Department of Energy (DOE) has reportedly announced that it has successfully achieved its target of signing up approximately 125 communities for the SolarAPP+ tool.
SolarAPP (Solar Automated Permit Processing), is free a DOE-developed web-based interface that enables local governments to process residential solar installation permits instantly.
Post the successful completion of the target, DOE has issued a new challenge to encourage 60 more communities to enhance their solar practices and be certified by DOE SolSmart program by March 2022. These initiatives promote the use of additional solar energy to meet the Biden-Harris Administration's goals of reaching 100 percent renewable power by 2035 and a net-zero economy by 2050.
Jennifer M. Granholm, the United States Secretary of Energy, cited that the SolSmart program and the SolarAPP+ tool from the Department of Energy are supporting communities in breaking down barriers to renewable energy and realizing the health and economic advantages of solar.
Granholm added that the federal government is encouraging communities to boost solar deployment and equipping them with the resources they need to succeed.
Over the last decade, the cost of solar electricity has dropped by 80%, and local governments have had a huge impact on the solar energy growth. Soft expenses, such as excessive paperwork, red tape, and other cumbersome regulations, raise prices and prevent solar firms from locating in a certain location. DOE is assisting communities in becoming “open for solar business” by simplifying these regulations and taking other actions to boost solar growth.
For the uninitiated, DOE launched the Summer of Solar campaign in June 2021, with stops around the country, with the objective of signing up 125 towns for SolarAPP+ by September 30.
Besides, SolarAPP+ was developed by DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory and is striving to involve new communities while extending and upgrading the platform to incorporate fast-tracked energy storage permits and other resources.
Source credit: https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-signs-125-local-governments-fast-track-solar-permits
