Solar Automated Permit Processing (SolarAPP+) Benefits
NREL has built advanced, no-cost permitting softwareThe SolarAPP+ is a collaborative effort to fosterrooftop solar adoption by making it easier for local governments to quicklyand safely approve standardized rooftop projects forinstallation via NREL’s new, no-cost permitting software. The project ismotivated by national data showing that local governmentswith instant online permitting for rooftop solarprocess 5-14xmore volume than jurisdictions with traditional permitprocessing.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) hasbeen working with an all-star team of experts tobuild an onlinepermitting platform that will automate rooftop solarplan review and produce compliant approvals instantly. Our teamincludes local governments, the building safety community, solar industry leaders, environmental organizations.. and you!See our full list of partners at solarapp.nrel.gov Automated permitting unleashes growthMost residential solar systems are simple and standardized, like HVAC installations, but the sheer volume ofapplicationscan also be time and resource consuming for permittingdepartments. SolarAPP+ helps make this workload manageable.
SolarAPP+ functionality:● Allows permit departments to collect the same permitfees, while also opening the door to market growth● Uses standardized compliance checks to catch typos, and errors; returning corrections to the applicantinstantly● Eligible, cookie-cutter rooftop solar applicationsget approved permits to build instantly, while ineligibleprojects flowthrough a typical permitting review. Stale applicationsnever require action.● Produces an inspection checklist replicating the applicationdetails for inspectors to utilize and confirm.
SolarAPP+ piloting and adopting is easy● Stays up to date with relevant code and certificationsas new editions and technologies arise● Free for AHJs to use for plan review, approval, feepayments, and record tracking● Installers pay small admin fees to support SolarAPP+updates and long-term availability● Can standalone or integrate with existing governmentsoftware and inspection platforms● Reduces the need to constantly retrain staff on newcodes and instead rely on the SolarAPP+ guidance Automated permitting is already popularOnline and instant permitting is common practice formany localities in the US. We built on examples fromCA, AZ, NV, FL,CA, SC, TX, NY, and more. When rooftop solar installationhurdles are simplified effectively, homeowners arehappier andgrowth compounds. In turn, local governments benefitfrom greater resilience, flexibility, and economicdevelopment. “I was eager to work with NREL to find this new approachto handle solar permits.There has been such a goodcollaboration to create a different way to reviewthese residential projects in a way that is outsidethe traditional planreview box but still covers the technical aspects.We’re now able to move qualifying solar permits directlyto fieldinspections, which is giving our staff much neededtime to work on other, more complex projects.”- Geoff Simmons, Chief Building Official, PleasantHill (CA) Learn more and share your contact information onsolarapp.nrel.govor by [email protected]
How to Pilot and Adopt SolarAPP+
SolarAPP+ is free software and NREL will provide all the support local governments need to adopt. However, it will require afew meetings with your team to get you set up.Step 1 - SolarAPP+technical demoand review of compliancechecks with your engineering teamStep 2 - Onboard planning and execution w buildingteam and relevant departments, like Accounting orITStep 3 - Pilot SolarAPP+ in a way that suits youStep 4 - Implement adoption strategy and announcenew process locallyStep 5 - Go live with SolarAPP+ and enjoy unencumberedrooftop solar growth! SolarAPP+ Integration and Features
Standalone option for offline AHJs Integration option for online AHJs If your permitting department is processing and approvingpermits and fees in-person or by email, NREL can setupSolarAPP+ to handle it all. All you need is an emailaddress.SolarAPP+ usesStripeto support permit fees.
If your permitting department is processing and approvingpermits with an online portal, SolarAPP+ can easilybe added toyour system. Let us know what systems you use forfee paymentand permit processing. NREL will handle the rest! SolarAPP+ Code and Technology SupportCurrent In Progress ● 2017 National Fire Protection Association 70 NationalElectrical Code (NEC) for residential PV● 2018 I-Codes (International Residential Code, Firecode,and Building Code) for residential PV● CA Title 24● State and local license verification● Inspection checklists ● 2017 NEC for residential storage● 2020 NEC for residential PV and storage● 2021 I-Codes for residential PV and storage● Main panel upgrades● Roofing integrated solar products● API integrations● Residential EV chargers SolarAPP+ adoption is newsworthyNREL projects are often the subject of the trade pressas well as local and national news. As your partnershipgrows, NRELwill include you in these opportunities. NREL will also track the resulting benefits of your decisionto adopt SolarAPP+ whichyou can share with your jurisdiction’s executive leadership. Your decision will not go unnoticed! SolarAPP+ Partner Press:● Underwriters Laboratories/UL LLC -The SolarAPP: TheEmerging US Permitting Solution● International Code Council -Industry comes togetherto develop solar permitting solution● National League of Cities -Online Solar Permittingin the Age of Uncertainty● SPUR -Streamlining residential solar installs canjumpstart a green economic recovery “As a Solar America City, Tucson looks for ways tosupport the solar industry. SolarAPP provides a furtherincentive to usesolar power by making permitting easy.” -Scott Clark, Director, City of Tucson (AZ) Planning and DevelopmentServices.
Learn more and share your contact information onsolarapp.nrel.govor by [email protected]