Frequently Asked Questions

SolarAPP+, short for Solar Automated Permit Processing, is an online web portal that automates the plan review and process for issuing permits to qualified businesses or individuals to install code-compliant residential photovoltaic (PV) systems with or without energy storage (ST). Based on model building, electrical, and fire codes, SolarAPP automatically performs a compliance check on inputs supplied by the contractor to ensure the proposed system is safe and code compliant. Installation practices, workmanship, and adherence to the approved design are then verified by the AHJ through the inspection process.

You can find out more here: https://help.solar-app.org/article/37-what-is-solarapp

After issuance, projects can be revised as many times as the contractor wishes prior to installation. After revisions are complete and the project is submitted, SolarAPP+ will then run another compliance check. If your updated system design is code compliant, the system will reissue your updated permit and alert the AHJ with a revised Approval Document and Inspection Checklist. The first three revisions are free of charge, while each subsequent revision would charge the installer the $25 project fee. If a revision requires payment of an additional fee, the revised permit is not issued until the fee is paid.

https://help.solar-app.org/article/77-how-do-i-make-changes-to-approved-project

 Before you can submit a project through SolarAPP+, you must first register and take the How to Use SolarAPP+ For Rooftop Solar Projects training, developed by IREC, which will show you how to submit a project through SolarAPP+. Once completing this training module, you will receive a certificate documenting your successful completion of the training, which you can then send to NREL, and your account will be enabled to submit projects in any jurisdictions where you are licensed. The training should take about an hour, and only needs to be completed once.

 If the project you want to submit also included energy storage systems (such as batteries), you must register and take the How to Use SolarAPP+ For Solar and Storage Projects. This will walk you though the process of submitting solar + storage projects in SolarApp+, as well as help you identify which systems and projects can be approved through the platform.

https://help.solar-app.org/article/15-permit-application

 Scheduling an inspection with a SolarAPP+-issued permit is no different than scheduling inspections for traditionally approved permits. For all inspection scheduling questions, please refer to the jurisdiction that issued the permit.

 For more information about inspections, please review this SolarAPP+ inspector's training developed by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC).

https://help.solar-app.org/article/90-how-do-i-schedule-an-inspection

 The purpose of the SolarAPP+ inspection checklist is to provide detailed information to the jurisdiction and the inspector on what attributes constitute a code compliant PV system. Because SolarAPP+ is prescriptive, the checklist will provide the inspector with the minimum requirements that must be present and avoid the necessity of the inspector doing their own calculations. 

 The inspection checklist comprises several sections: 

1. Customer and site information 
2. Electrical and installation requirements  
   1. Interconnection method
   2.     MSP equipment
   3.     Inverter 
   4.     Installation details
3.   Roof requirements
4.   Fire safety code requirements
5.   Signs, placards, directories, and markings
6.   Inputs that were used by the contractor

 Within each section of the checklist there are boxes for an inspector to mark “Pass” on each item. Using this functionality will bring increased awareness to the inspection process where both inspectors and contractors can ensure that all items are being inspected for compliance and quality.

Please view this example SolarAPP Approval Document to take a closer look at the Inspection Checklist.

For more information, please review this SolarAPP+ inspector's training developed by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC).

https://help.solar-app.org/article/89-whats-on-the-solarapp-inspection-checklist

 SolarAPP+ is designed to provide a code-compliance check for the majority of residential, roof-mounted, retrofit photovoltaic systems in the United States. 

 To see which systems are eligible, please refer to the Eligibility Checklists;

• PV
• PV+Storage
• BIPV
• BIPV+Storage

 Some of the types of systems that SolarAPP+ is currently not able to be used for include: ground mounted, new construction and non-residential (i.e. multi-family, commercial, community, and utility-scale projects).

 As the software continues to develop more system types will be incorporated. Until such updates are made, contractors must work with local AHJs to submit and review these systems outside of the SolarAPP+ portal.

https://help.solar-app.org/article/43-what-types-of-systems-are-not-eligible-for-solarapp-review

SolarAPP+ is for rooftop residential solar systems. While SolarAPP+ does not specify a limit for the system’s total rated wattage capacity, there are technical limits on the power rating of service panel equipment, and these are enforced by SolarAPP+. Projects may be permitted to install up to 400A main service, 225A service disconnect switches and 225A busbars. If any project components exceed the above specification thresholds, the project will be designated as ineligible by the SolarAPP+ platform. See the Eligibility Checklist for more information.

https://help.solar-app.org/article/47-is-there-a-limit-on-system-size