H.R. 6981: Streamlining Home Installation of New Energies Act of 2026

This bill, known as the Streamlining Home Installation of New Energies Act of 2026 (or SHINE Act of 2026), aims to create a more efficient process for permitting and inspecting certain energy systems installed in residential buildings. The main goals and features of the bill include:

Establishment of a Streamlined Program

The bill requires the Secretary of Energy to develop a voluntary streamlined permitting and inspection process. This process will be available for local and state authorities that manage permits for what are called "qualifying distributed energy systems."

Definitions

Qualifying distributed energy systems refer to equipment that can be installed to support energy use at or near residential buildings. This includes:

• Electricity generation from renewable sources like solar panels and wind systems.
• Battery systems that can store and discharge electricity.
• Charging stations for electric vehicles.
• Refueling systems for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

Program Development Timeline

Within 180 days after the bill is passed, the Secretary, along with stakeholders from various trade associations and government groups, must launch a program to promote the new permitting and inspection procedures.

Activities Included in the Program

The program will involve several activities, such as:

• Developing an online permitting platform to facilitate submitting and approving permit applications.
• Setting targets for local authorities to adopt this streamlined permitting process.
• Providing technical assistance and training to local authorities on how to implement the new system and any necessary building codes.
• Creating a standardized inspection protocol that could include remote inspections and methodologies for high-performing installers.
• Taking additional steps to improve the overall permitting and inspection processes for these energy systems.

Support Services

The Secretary is also tasked with offering technical services to support the authorities responsible for the permitting process, and can provide financial assistance for implementing the new systems.

Certification Program

The Secretary has the authority to certify local authorities that adopt the new streamlined permitting process and may even award prizes to encourage compliance.

Funding Authorization

To execute these initiatives, the bill authorizes a budget of $20 million per year for the fiscal years 2027 through 2030.

Relevant Companies

• SO (Southern Company): As a major energy provider, Southern Company may see increased demand for distributed energy systems, affecting its business operations.
• NEE (NextEra Energy): Focused on renewable energy, NextEra Energy may benefit from increased installations of solar and battery systems due to streamlined permitting processes.
• TSLA (Tesla, Inc.): Tesla's energy division, which provides solar panels and battery systems, could see growth as homeowners find it easier to install these technologies.