This bill mandates that newly constructed large developments intended for use as retail facilities or warehouses must be designed and built to support the weight of solar photovoltaic or solar thermal systems. Specifically, it applies to developments for which a construction permit application has not been declared complete before the first day of the 12th month following the bill's effective date. The Department of Community Affairs is tasked with establishing rules and regulations to ensure that these large developments can accommodate solar systems covering at least 40 percent of the roof area, while also considering environmental factors such as rain and snow.

The bill defines "large development" as any building or facility of at least 75,000 square feet primarily used as a retail facility or warehouse. It also introduces the term "retail facility" to describe structures predominantly used for selling products to consumers. The legislation aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the retail supply chain, which is a significant contributor to climate change, by promoting the integration of solar energy systems in new large-scale constructions. The bill is set to take effect four months after its enactment, allowing the Commissioner of Community Affairs to prepare for its implementation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:27D-123.19