# The Hidden Costs of Going Solar: How Permitting Hurdles Are Slowing Rooftop Solar Growth
If you’re considering installing solar panels for your home, you might be surprised to learn that permitting and other “soft costs” make up over half of the total expense in many cases. In Minnesota, inconsistent and cumbersome permitting processes are making it harder, slower, and more expensive for homeowners to go solar. A recent report from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) highlights how these inefficiencies are slowing the state’s transition to clean energy.
## **Why Permitting Matters for Solar Growth**
Minnesota aims for 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. However, without streamlining solar permitting, this goal may be difficult to achieve. The report found that complex and inconsistent approval processes increase project costs and discourage homeowners from completing their solar installations.
While some areas in the state process permits in less than a week, others can take up to six weeks. This uncertainty forces solar companies to spend more time and resources navigating different requirements across local governments, driving up costs. For consumers, that means solar may become financially out of reach, especially for those with lower incomes.
## **How Permitting Raises
Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/02/27/permitting-processes-place-minnesotas-rooftop-solar-in-jeopardy/
