Solar Permitting Ordinance and Incentives

The issue of a solar permitting ordinance and related incentives first surfaced during the energy committee's April 28, 2026 meeting through discussion of the SolSmart model for solar ordinances along with potential solar sites and interconnection challenges.

This discussion set the stage for further development when, on May 19, 2026, Speaker C presented a first draft of a solar model ordinance adapted specifically for Bradford's needs.

At the same May meeting the committee examined the SolarAPP+ platform as a non-profit tool to automate and accelerate rooftop solar permitting for towns, contractors, and inspectors, noting its potential to reduce costs and processing time.

The committee also reviewed a ReVision Energy prepaid lease program offering a 30 percent discount on solar projects, in which investors cover upfront costs so residents can access solar electricity immediately and consider purchasing the system in year six, thereby lowering soft costs.

Board positions recorded in the May meeting signaled support for the draft ordinance and digital permitting tools, while the April meeting had already identified land-use and interconnection implications for property owners and developers.

No opposing positions or community objections appear in the meeting records, leaving the process at the stage of continued refinement through an upcoming meeting between Speaker C and Matt Monahan.

At its June 16, 2026 meeting the energy committee reviewed an updated version of the SolSmart-based solar ordinance that incorporated Matt's edits. Specific inch/foot setbacks were removed in favor of reference to the NH State Building and Fire Code, with the draft now aimed at simplifying permitting for accessory solar installations. The committee deemed the draft ready for zoning/planning board review after a final check with Matt, setting up a planning-board public hearing and a potential 2027 warrant article.