H.R. 6981 — SHINE Act of 2026

This section establishes a Department of Energy program, to be implemented not later than 180 days after enactment in consultation with stakeholders, to develop, expand, and support adoption of a voluntary streamlined permitting and inspection process—including an online permitting platform—for authorities having jurisdiction (i.e., state, local, county, and Tribal permitting offices) to permit qualifying distributed energy systems at residential buildings (i.e., solar photovoltaic or wind systems; batteries of at least 2 kilowatt-hours capacity; plug-in electric drive vehicle chargers of at least 2 kilowatts; and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle refueling equipment). Under the program, the Secretary of Energy must (1) further develop the exemplary online permitting platform to expedite and standardize permitting; (2) establish targets for adoption by authorities having jurisdiction; (3) provide technical assistance and training on the process and related building codes; (4) develop a voluntary inspection protocol, including remote inspections, sample-based inspections for high-quality installers, and platform integration; and (5) take other actions to streamline permitting, inspection, and interconnection. The section further directs the Secretary to provide technical and financial support services; certify adopting authorities having jurisdiction through existing Department programs; and award prizes to encourage adoption of the permitting process and inspection protocol. It authorizes $20 million to the Secretary for each of FY2027 through FY2030.