City offers new, convenient online photovoltaic battery system permit process

News Release from DPP, Dec 20, 2021

HONOLULU – With convenience and efficiency as the motivating factors, the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) has launched a new online building permit application process in response to the increase in number of homeowners seeking photovoltaic (PV), PV battery and battery-only tax credits and other incentives from Hawaiian Electric Co.’s Battery Bonus program.

“This new feature allows local families to immediately self-issue permits for PV battery storage systems at their convenience, thus saving them time by not having to travel to the DPP office and allowing them to meet the tax credit deadline,” said Dean Uchida, DPP director. “This is just one of many initiatives that we’re implementing to speed up and improve the permitting process.”

The permit application program can be found on the DPP website, https://bit.ly/3saNSkE, and gives owners the opportunity to take advantage of the various incentive programs that are available for these systems through 2021.

A homeowner or agent would need to access the DPP link, click the box for a new battery storage system, and upload specific information on the system being installed. Once the information is submitted and payment is made, the approved permit will be issued online.

There are some restrictions to the new solar battery permit process. The online application program is for systems on single-family residences only. The online permit is not available for properties with two or more dwelling units. In addition, properties in a flood hazard district, shoreline, or special management area will still need to go through the regular application review process.

—PAU—

PBN: Photovoltaic battery system permitting moves online

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