RI H7726

Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources must establish a statewide "smart solar permitting platform" that accepts electronic applications 24/7, performs automated code compliance checks, and issues permits instantly for code-compliant residential and small-scale solar systems without manual review.

All municipalities must participate in the statewide platform or implement a substantially equivalent automated system within 12 months of the act's passage; the platform will be provided to municipalities at no cost.

Solar systems with 25 kW AC capacity or less are exempt from requirements for stamped electrical drawings or engineered plans unless expressly required by state building, electrical, or fire codes.

By July 1, 2027, all cities and towns must offer remote virtual inspections via photographs and videos for photovoltaic systems, energy storage, and residential electrical work in one- and two-family dwellings, with final inspections required within 5 business days of request.

Electric distribution companies cannot require additional inspections beyond municipal approval as a condition of granting permission to operate residential solar or energy storage systems.