AN ACT CONCERNING THE APPROVAL OF SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS IN HISTORIC DISTRICTS.

HB 6959 modifies historic district approval rules to make it easier for property owners to install solar energy systems. It prohibits historic district commissions from denying certificates of appropriateness for solar systems installed on roofs facing the rear of a lot, unless the system would substantially impair the district's historic character. The bill specifically requires that solar installations must be on rear-facing roofs to qualify for automatic approval under this rule, without needing to prove they won't harm historic appearance. This directly affects homeowners and businesses in historic districts seeking to add solar panels.