Hempstead, NY Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Because a residential solar photovoltaic system counts as an installation requiring a building permit, an applicant files with the Building Inspector the same way as for any other construction project, but must also submit the Long Island Power Authority's standardized "solar energy system fast track permit application," per § 86-12G(2), rather than a jurisdiction-specific form. That single fast-track document is accepted under the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's Cleaner Greener Long Island Sustainability Plan. Fees are calculated on the estimated cost of the solar installation itself; Local Law No.

20-2024, effective April 2, 2024, amended § 86-11EE to remove what had previously been a cap on that fee, so larger installations now pay proportionally more. As with other building permits, work under a solar permit must commence within 90 days of issuance and be completed within one year, or the permit is deemed abandoned under § 86-13A and C, and a supplementary permit is required to extend the timeline. The fast-track format is intended to reduce the paperwork burden compared with Hempstead's general application requirements under § 86-9B and C, such as duplicate plans, specifications and property surveys, while the Building Department still reviews plans against the same structural, electrical and roofing-load standards that apply to any other building-permit application.