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Housing issues affect everyone in Connecticut, from those who are searching for a safe place to live, to those who may find it increasingly difficult to afford a place they already call home.WNPR is covering Connecticut's housing and homelessness issues in a series that examines how residents are handling the challenges they face. We look at the trends that matter most right now, and tell stories that help bring the issues to light.

Solar Industry, Towns Battle Over Local Rooftop Panel Rules

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Solar panels installed on the roof of a Westport house.

Installers of rooftop solar panels are learning that Connecticut's embrace of solar energy has its limits. Businesses seeking state legislation to streamline local permitting of rooftop solar panels have run into opposition from municipal officials who say proposed rules are a costly mandate. 

Legislation at the center of the dispute awaits a House vote and if approved, heads to the Senate.

A top complaint among solar panel installers is that permit fees charged by municipalities to homeowners for solar panel installation are excessive. They also say navigating a maze of town practices such as different building inspectors' hours of operation, payment methods, inspections, and other procedures are slowing expansion.

Stratford Republican Rep. Laura Hoydick said the industry is seeking "great things and we should get them," but lawmakers are reluctant to impose more mandates.

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