BILL NUMBER: S5511
SPONSOR: PARKER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to authorizing
the New York state energy research and development authority inspect and
certify solar energy systems as fire safe
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This bill creates a regulatory check to aid in making solar energy safe
and proactive in necessary precautions via annual inspections and
certifications.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. The public authorities' law is amended by adding a new
section 1885.
Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
As we continue to invest in solar energy and other renewable energy
sources, taking each step possible to make sure that we take all precau-
tions and provide the best and safest energy services for NYS remains a
primary focus.
The inspection process of the "Solar safety energy fire safety" act
would allow for evaluations to be done on an annual basis. It would
allow for companies to make the necessary upgrades & repairs to panels,
storage, and in-ground productions etc.
By staying ahead of the process, we can minimize major costly issues
going forward. The initial inspection process sets forth for farms to be
certified, however with this annual bill it sets forth checks and
balances for each sustainable energy farm.
This bill will include the provision to provide transparency for the
communities that benefit from and are currently housing the solar farms
to see the data sheet and report given yearly.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024- S8584- REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO HOUSING, CONSTRUCTION AND COMMU-
NITY DEVELOPMENT
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.