This bill establishes the State Smart Solar Permitting Platform, which will be managed by the Commissioner of Community Affairs in New Jersey. The platform aims to streamline the approval process for residential solar energy system installations by automating plan reviews, ensuring compliance with codes, and facilitating the instant release of permits for solar energy systems and related upgrades. Local enforcing agencies are required to either use this state platform or create an equivalent automated system within designated timeframes. The bill also includes compliance reporting requirements for agencies opting for alternative platforms, with penalties imposed by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for non-compliance, directing funds to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

Furthermore, the DCA is empowered to impose penalties on local enforcing agencies that do not permit applications for solar energy systems through the designated platforms, with collected penalties also supporting the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The DCA will provide training for local agency employees on the platform's use and may implement solar permit surcharge fees to help cover the platform's development and administration costs. This legislation underscores New Jersey's commitment to enhancing solar energy adoption and making installations more accessible and affordable for residents.