New Permitting Tool for Residential Solar Rooftop Systems 

Increasing Speed and Lowering Cost of Solar Installations 

 STOCKTON, Calif. – The City of Stockton Community Development Department has launched SolarAPP+, an automated application for licensed contractors and self-service permitting of new residential rooftop solar systems. SolarAPP+ lowers the cost and expedites solar installations for the hundreds of Stockton property owners investing in generating renewable and sustainable energy each month. 

“This technology makes sense for residential solar installations, which are standard from project to project” said City Manager Harry Black. “Solar providers that have worked with us on thousands of installations participated with the City and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory on a pilot program, which has been a tremendous success for everyone involved. We look forward to making this process part of our daily operations, saving time and money for property owners, contractors and the City.” 

SolarAPP+ integrates with the City of Stockton’s existing permitting system and software, automating the plan review and permit approval process and significantly reducing over-the-counter workload and permitting time from three or four days to a one-day, online process. Stockton has been the highest volume user to pilot with SolarAPP+. Contractor reviews report ease of use and seamless integration with the City’s permitting system. City of Stockton News Release SolarAPP+ Thursday, January 27, 2022 Page 2 of 2 

“A dedicated webpage and online instructions walk the applicant through the entire process and can be used for the majority of residential, roof-mounted, retrofit photovoltaic systems,” shared Community Development Deputy Director John Schweigerdt. “Once the application is completed, applicants can make payments online, print documents, check status, or even make changes using SolarAPP+, keeping projects moving and contractors working, not waiting around for approvals and paper permits. Nearly 25 percent of the permits we issue are for solar, so this level of automation improves customer service for all of our customers – a huge win for everyone.” 

Solar systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions and are resilient to fluctuations in power availability for those that remain on the grid. The number of systems is projected to dramatically increase as more customers choose to invest in savings and renewable energy sources that help address issues related to climate change. 

To review the step-by-step process and requirements, visit www.stocktonca.gov/solarapp or contact the City of Stockton Permit Center, Building and Life Safety Division, at (209) 937-8561.