City of San Ramon – City staff have implemented an expedited process for photovoltaic/solar electric contractors. SolarAPP+, short for Solar Automated Permit Processing, is an online web portal that automates plan review and permits issuing process to qualified contractors or individuals to install code-compliant residential photovoltaic (PV) systems. Based on model building, electrical, and fire codes, SolarAPP automatically performs a compliance check based 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 through the inspection process. SolarAPP+ information is available on the City’s website at this link.

San Ramon participated in a pilot program to test the expedited plan check, permit issuance and inspection processes and created an  option with the EnerGov online permit system to approve and issue SolarAPP+ permit types.  Staff participated in the pilot program by completing plan reviews on standard plan type applications and the SolarAPP+ checklist type applications. All plan checks confirmed the same information on plan set submittals and checklist submittals.  Inspection staff performed inspection on solar systems using approved plans and the checklist and found the checklist option to have accurate information and similar inspection times to complete.

Since July 1, 2021, 602 residential rooftop permits and  176 SolarAPP+ residential rooftop permits were issued. Staff expects to issue 1200 solar system permits each year and expect time savings as a result of the SolarAPP+. San Ramon is the 6th city in California to implement the SolarAPP+ process and 8th nationwide.

The SolarAPP+ project was created with grant funding from the Department of Energy (DOE) and is managed collaboratively by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and UL with oversight provided by the SolarAPP+ Foundation. NREL and UL co-manage the software development, outreach, education, and local jurisdiction onboarding for SolarAPP+.

San Ramon City staff will continue to test updates and improvements to the SolarAPP+ program by checking and inspecting solar systems for compliance with code updates, and checking and inspecting systems with battery installations and roof replacement permits with integrated roofing materials.