This bill mandates that newly constructed large developments, specifically those intended for use as retail facilities or warehouses, must be designed and built to support the weight of solar photovoltaic or solar thermal systems on their roofs. The requirement applies to developments for which construction permit applications have not been completed before a specified deadline, which is 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 compliance with these design standards, which will incorporate guidelines from the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code.

The bill defines "large development" as any building or facility of at least 75,000 square feet, primarily used as a warehouse or retail facility, and introduces a definition for "retail facility" as a structure predominantly used for selling products to consumers. Additionally, it specifies that a "solar-ready building" must include a designated area on the roof that can accommodate solar systems covering at least 40 percent of the roof area, excluding certain areas like skylights and vegetative roofs. 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 renewable energy solutions in new construction.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:27D-123.19