This bill mandates that local governments in Minnesota with populations exceeding 5,000 residents establish residential instant solar permitting platforms to streamline the permitting process for residential photovoltaic systems. The platforms must automate plan reviews, issue code-compliant approvals, and allow for online payments, thereby enabling the instant issuance of permits for eligible solar installations. The bill specifies that these platforms should be capable of processing at least 75% of residential photovoltaic permit applications for existing constructions without requiring manual reviews during the permitting and inspection processes.

Additionally, the bill requires applicable permitting authorities to submit compliance and annual reports to the state department, detailing their use of the instant solar permitting platforms and the number of permits issued. Authorities must self-certify compliance when applying for funding, with non-compliance potentially affecting their eligibility for state funding opportunities. The bill also outlines inspection requirements for projects permitted through these platforms, including the option for remote inspections, and provides an exemption for authorities that do not require permits for residential photovoltaic systems. The provisions of this bill will take effect on July 1, 2026.