Frequently Asked Questions

SolarAPP+ is a standardized plan review software that runs compliance checks and processes building permit approvals for eligible rooftop solar systems. NREL created the SolarAPP+ process.

NREL stands for National Renewable Energy Lab, a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy, About NREL | NREL.  SolarAPP+ is an application developed by NREL that allows authorized contractors to submit plans for certain rooftop residential solar projects and receive permits and plan check documents instantly.

Contractors who have completed training and are approved by SolarAPP+ are the only applicants that are accepted to use this streamlined process on SolarAPP+.

In 2022, California passed SB 379 which “requires most California cities and counties to implement an online, automated permitting platform that verifies code compliance and issues permits in real time or allows the city, county, or city and county to issue permits in real time for a residential solar energy system.” SB 379

SolarAPP+ collects a one-time fee of $26.06. The City application fee is separate and will remain the same as a regular solar permit application that contractors apply for on the City's Online Portal.

SolarAPP+ allows up to 3 revisions under the $26.06 fee. They must resubmit the application to SolarAPP+ and once the resubmittal is approved, they will receive a modified permit number, for example:

• Original SolarAPP+ ID: SA20230117-242-19-1234-A
• First Approved Revision SolarAPP+ ID: SA20230117-242-19-1234-B
• Second Approved Revision SolarAPP+ ID: SA20230117-242-19-1234-C
• Third and Last Approved Revision SolarAPP+ ID: SA20230117-242-19-1234-D

Once the contractor receives the new SolarAPP+ ID, they can upload this new document onto their existing permit on the Online Portal, along with their modified plans. The City Inspector may charge any fees that are appropriate for the resubmittal, similar to the current process for re-inspection.