SolarAPP+ provides instantly approved solar permits
The City of Fresno has adopted an innovative online solar permitting platform, SolarAPP+, for single-family and duplex projects.
The City of Fresno’s Planning and Development Department has partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to launch SolarAPP+, a plan review software that processes compliance checks and issues building permit approvals for eligible rooftop solar systems. After testing the platform, the City of Fresno is now providing this option to process Solar Photovoltaic (PV) applications as “express permits” and eliminating the need for plan review.
Licensed contractors, who have registered as an installer with SolarAPP+, submit their project details through the tool, the software quickly reviews the information and returns a confirmation to the contractor. The contractor then uploads the SolarAPP+ confirmation to the City’s online Accela Citizens Access (ACA) electronic permitting system, as this is proof that the solar project is designed to meet codes, and the solar permit is issued in real time.
SolarAPP+ will save customers a significant amount of time in the permitting process and safely bring important projects to the market quicker. The City of Fresno understands that time is valuable, and of the utmost importance to our customers, and we are committed to continually providing efficient processes without sacrificing quality and safety.
NOTE: Commercial solar installations do not qualify to use SolarAPP+, please apply for a standard solar permit via the City of Fresno’s Accela Citizens Access (ACA) electronic permitting system.
EASY AS 1-2-3!
- Complete an application on the SolarAPP+ website at https://solarapp.nrel.gov/login.
- Upon completion of the application, you will be directed to the City of Fresno’s Accela Citizens Access (ACA), electronic permitting system, to complete an online application.
- Login to your Accela Citizens Access (ACA) account (if you do not have an account, please register for a free account) and follow these detailed instructions.