The Hillsboro, Oregon City Council voted recently that solar panels and similar devices will be exempt from payment of the normal permit fees associated with installation or construction.

The list of qualifying devices includes passive solar space heating, solar water heating, solar thermal electric, photovoltaic, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, fuel cells and alternative energy refueling stations, The Hillsboro Argus reports.

City Manager Tim Erwert expressed concern over the loss of permit revenue and noted that the council could revisit the issue if the number becomes significant.

One council member questioned this approach: “The aim is to encourage alternative energy, but if they take hold, we’ll take away that incentive?”