Albany County solar permits follow NYS Unified Solar Permit process adopted by NYSERDA. Most towns offer $250-$400 expedited permitting for residential systems up to 25 kW. NYS RPL §335-a protects solar access. Net metering required under PSC rules.
Albany County municipalities have largely adopted the NYS Unified Solar Permit (USP) developed by NYSERDA to streamline residential solar approvals. Under USP, systems up to 25 kW receive expedited review (typically 2-3 weeks) for a capped fee of $250 to $400. Permits cover building and electrical work; plans must show panel layout, structural load analysis (Albany's 50 psf snow load is significant), electrical one-line diagram, and fire access pathways per NYS Fire Code. Required fire setbacks: 3 feet from ridges and eaves, with pathways to roof access points. Solar access rights are protected by NY Real Property Law §335-a — easements for solar access can be recorded. Interconnection with National Grid or NYSEG follows PSC Standard Interconnection Requirements (SIR). Net metering is available under PSC rules for systems under 25 kW (residential) with Value Stack compensation for larger projects. Ground-mounted systems require zoning compliance (often needing setbacks of 10-25 ft).
Installation without permit: retroactive permit required plus fines $200 to $1,000. NEC violations: correction order, system shutdown until fixed. Missing fire setbacks: fire marshal shutoff order. HOA illegal bans: NY has no statutory HOA solar preemption but federal Fair Housing protections may apply.
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