This Brooklyn pol is trying to make solar panel installation easier
Councilmember Lincoln Restler introduced legislation on Wednesday that would make it easier for New Yorkers to install solar panels on rooftops, something that is currently difficult for many homeowners because of restrictive clearance requirements.
The bill is co-sponsored by Council Members Alexa Avilés, James Gennaro, and Oswald Feliz.
“New York City should be leading on solar energy, but outdated regulations have us falling behind,” said Councilmember Lincoln Restler. “This isn’t an issue of industry capacity or technology; it’s an issue of outdated regulations and bureaucracy. In order to achieve our climate goals, we must do everything we can to safely maximize utilization of solar energy.”
Currently, many smaller buildings are unable to install solar panels because the fire code restricts the amount of available space on rooftops. This legislation will reduce the width of required rooftop clearance pathways and allow for adjoining buildings to be consolidated for the purposes of complying with the code. Together, these changes will make it feasible for more small buildings to install solar and start reaping the benefits of clean energy.