Solar energy growth drives the modernization of permit processing

Local governments and building officials have long histories of operating successfully with legacy processes and doing a lot with a little. But things are changing rapidly — the vehicles we drive, how homes and businesses are powered, and the tools and methods we bring to work. Are there new tools and processes worth a look?

New apps for shopping, banking and time organization come online every day to help make us more productive. And now there is a software tool called SolarAPP+ that can help building permitting agencies keep pace with the projected growth of clean energy technologies, like rooftop solar and energy storage. Launched by the U.S. Department of Energy and under development at the National Renewable Energy Lab, the Solar Application Permitting and Process — SolarAPP+ — offers instant, online residential solar permitting.

SolarAPP+ is a collaborative effort with key code officials — called “authorities having jurisdiction” — and the solar industry to create a streamlined software that both runs compliance checks and processes building permit approvals for eligible rooftop solar systems.

Based on national model building, electrical and fire codes, SolarAPP+ automatically performs a compliance check of permit inputs against code requirements and produces an inspection checklist that can be used to verify installation practices, workmanship and adherence to the approved design. It’s a great example of a time- and effort-saving app that assists communities in achieving their solar and renewable energy goals.

Although the cost of photovoltaic panels for residential buildings has dramatically decreased in the last decade, studies from the Department of Energy tell us that the time and cost involved in permitting and inspection remains high. SolarAPP+ addresses this problem directly, by automating the process, while ensuring compliance and safety, thus making it easier for homeowners to gain access to solar. As a result, the tool helps homeowners save time, money and frustration and will ultimately help speed progress toward a carbon-free energy future.

A new report from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory shows that SolarAPP+ reduced permit review times to about an hour, from an average estimated time that exceeded five business days, and in certain jurisdictions a month or more. The result is that more projects are being permitted and installed on average 12 days faster once SolarAPP+ was in place.

The modernizing of these processes helps consumers make decisions about choosing renewable energy. Consumers are increasingly interested in powering their appliances, gadgets, electronics and their homes with solar power. Homeowners can recoup their investment in solar in five to seven years. Even those leasing solar will save money on their monthly electric bill. That draw of saving money and feeling good about doing “their part” for the environment is a powerful draw that feeds the growth of residential solar.

Code officials can help consumers, homeowners and their communities achieve these outcomes by investigating SolarAPP+ to see if it can help standardize, streamline and automate the solar permitting process for your local government.