Southampton 'fast-tracks' solar panels

The Southampton Town Board Thursday approved a measure previously adopted by other towns that will allow for a “fast-track” application for the installation of solar panels on residential homes.

The town board has had hours-long discussions on implementing the program, and had tabled the resolution twice.

The Long Island Unified Solar Permit Initiative, developed by both counties and the Long Island Power Authority, puts in safeguards for installations and expedites paperwork, allowing for a common standard across Nassau and Suffolk. The requirements include guidelines for maximum load bearing and proper installation, and a certified drawing of the project by a professional engineer or registered architect.

That last requirement was the reason Southampton Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst gave for voting against the measure, saying the town already had an expedited system and it would be an extra financial burden on residents to hire the architect or engineer.

Board members James Malone, Bridget Fleming and Nancy Graboski voted for the measure. Christopher Nuzzi was absent from the vote.