SolarAPP

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Residential solar permitting with SolarAPP+

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About SolarAPP+

SolarAPP+ (Solar Automated Permit Processing+) is an automated online permitting platform that allows licensed contractors and installers to apply for permits for standard residential rooftop solar and storage systems. Recent state law requires most cities and counties in California to adopt this system to streamline the permitting process for certain types of residential solar projects.

SolarAPP+ program offers a quick and efficient way to apply for and obtain a solar permit with minimal processing delays. Residential solar permits are issued immediately after an applicant receives approval from SolarAPP+ and applies on the Online Permit Center.

Requirements

Licensed contractors or installers can register for a SolarAPP+ account and use the platform to apply for a permit. All other solar installation projects require a regular building permit. Owner builders must apply following the guidelines contained in the Submittal Checklist. When all checklist items are complete, owner builders can then submit the application through the Online Permit Center.

Licensed contractors may submit all new residential roof-mounted solar projects through SolarAPP+. This includes residential roof-mounted photovoltaic designs, with or without panel upgrades/changes or energy storage systems. SolarAPP+ can process solar systems up to 38.4 kW.

Eligible residential solar systems

Permits can be processed on SolarAPP+ for residential solar systems as outlined in the eligibility checklists, including:

  • Applicant must be a licensed contractor in the State of California, with a SolarAPP+ ID
  • Property is zoned residential
  • System size < 38.4 KW-dc
  • Roof flush mount only (no ground mount or reverse tilt systems)
  • Panel upgrade (optional)
  • Battery storage (optional) NOTE: Systems with wall-mounted batteries >400 pounds are ineligible.
  • No deferred submittals

If the system is ineligible, please follow the guidelines contained within the Submittal Checklist. Once all submittal items are complete, applications can be submitted through the Online Permit Center. 

How to apply using SolarAPP+
1. Register for an account and log into SolarAPP+

  • Register for a SolarAPP+ account. Skip this step if you already have an account.
  • Sign in to SolarAPP+

2. Complete the SolarAPP+ application process

  • Provide the required submittal documents and processing fees for SolarAPP+.
  • Receive an approval ID number from SolarAPP+.
  • Print and download the SolarAPP+ inspection checklist.

3. Register/log into Customer Self Service online portal

4. Enter the approval ID number issued by SolarAPP+ in the Customer Self Service online portal and pay fees

  • Once the application process is complete, an email will be sent with the inspection card and permit.
  • The inspection checklist from SolarAPP+ is part of the permit set and will be accessible on the Customer Self Service portal.

5. Permit issued (same day)

Contractors use SolarAPP+ for instantaneous residential rooftop solar permitting. Once the online application process is complete and permit fees are paid, the permit will be issued the same day. As a courtesy, applicants will receive an email notifying them of permit issuance with the inspection card and permit attached. The inspection checklist from SolarAPP+ that is uploaded will become a part of the permit set and will be accessible on the Customer Self Service portal. City watermark stamps are not provided on the plans with this process.

6. Schedule an inspection

The next step is to schedule an inspection with the Building Division. SolarAPP+ permits only include one inspection, so please ensure all work is completed and matches the approved scope of work on the approval document and permit before scheduling the inspection. A set of plans and the SolarAPP+ approval document need to be available for the inspectors to review at the time of inspection. The city may also offer inspection services remotely with the use of any electronic device.

Cost

  • There is a $25 administration fee to use SolarAPP+ paid directly to SolarAPP+ during the application process.
  • This fee is in addition to the city’s regular permitting fees, which are outlined in the Master Fee Schedule.

How are revisions handled?

  • Any changes to the site, equipment, size, etc., must be approved by revising the plans through SolarAPP+. Before scheduling an inspection, make sure you have the revised SolarAPP+ approval document.
  • SolarAPP+ allows three free revisions. After that, each additional revision costs $25.
  • Once the revisions are approved, applicants will receive an updated Inspection Checklist. Upload this updated checklist via the online portal (using the city permit number) for the inspector to review.
  • Any changes not approved through SolarAPP+ can still be processed by uploading updated plans to the city permit on the Customer Self Service portal. Regular plan review processing time and fees will apply.