RI S2801

Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources must establish a statewide "smart solar permitting platform" that accepts electronic permit applications 24/7, performs automated code compliance checks, and issues permits instantly for code-compliant residential and small-scale solar energy systems

All municipalities must participate within 12 months of enactment, either using the state platform or an equivalent automated system; the platform will be provided to municipalities at no cost

Systems 25 kW or less cannot require 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

Electric distribution companies cannot require additional inspections beyond the municipal inspection as a condition for granting permission to operate residential solar or energy storage systems