How to Submit for Automated Solar Panel Permits

Express Residential Photovoltaic and Energy Storage System Permits on SolarAPP+

Licensed solar panel installation contractors can apply and obtain building permits for residential solar panel and energy storage systems (i.e. batteries) online with the help of SolarAPP+. Qualifying projects may submit and complete all the necessary steps online for automated project review, code compliance, fee payment, and building permit issuance, per the instructions below.

Project eligibility includes:

Main dwelling roof-mounted residential structures only
No ballasted or ground mounted systems
No building integrated systems or systems associated with new construction
Must be licensed contractors registered with SolarAPP+ (no permit expeditors)
Review SolarAPP+ Eligibility Checklist for more detailed requirements

The process involves two main components of 1) first completing submittal and approval process through SolarAPP+ website, and 2) submitting SolarAPP+ approval and project documents to City for automated building permit issuance. More information of the steps involved are detailed below.

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Follow the steps below to complete the automated building permit process for solar panel and energy storage system installations.

Register or sign into to SolarAPP+
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Visit https://solarapp.nrel.gov/ and register for an account, or sign in using an existing account.
Submit project design details in SolarAPP+
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Submit project details and responses to questions to complete the review process on SolarAPP+.
Pay $25 administrative fee collected by SolarAPP+
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Download SolarAPP+ approval documents
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Once your project is approved on SolarAPP+, download the approval documents. These documents will be necessary to upload to the City website in the following steps.
Submit SolarAPP+ permit application to the City of Santa Monica
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Visit the City's Citizen Access website and register for a new account, or sign in to an existing account.
Create a new building permit application
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Create a new building permit application by selecting the 'Building' tab from the upper left menu, clicking 'Create Application,' select the 'Solar Permit with Solar APP Plus' project type, and proceeding with the permit application process . More detailed step-by-step instructions are provided here.
Provide SolarAPP+ approval details
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As part of your permit application process in Citizen Access the following items will be required:
- SolarAPP+ approval ID number
- SolarAPP+ approval document
- Upload project plans, details, and specifications
Pay permit fees
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Payment of permit fees will be necessary at the final stages of the permit application process. You will receive confirmation of permit issuance upon successful payment of fees.
Schedule inspection
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Visit https://einspections.smgov.net to schedule an inspection.

FAQ

What is SolarAPP+

SolarAPP+ is a standardized plan review software that runs compliance checks and processes code compliance approvals for eligible rooftop solar panel systems. The software was created by the National Renewal Energy Laboratory.

Who can apply for a SolarAPP+ permit?

Licensed contractors who have completed training and are approved by SolarAPP+ are the only applicants that are accepted to use this streamlines process.

How can a contractor register for the SolarAPP+ process?

A licensed contractor can visit the SolarAPP+ site to register and get approved to use the software.

How does SolarAPP+ integrate with Santa Monica's permitting process?

Once a licensed solar contractor gets their project approved by SolarAPP+, the solar contractor applies for the building permit on Santa Monica's Citizen Access page with their SolarAPP+ approval code. The building permit is issued immediately upon successful completion of submittal on Citizen Access and payment of required fees.

How can it be sure that approvals are not granted on unpermitted structures or properties?

The verification process on SolarAPP+ includes a series of questions to verify that all requirements are met. Ineligible properties or structures will not be able to complete the application process on SolarAPP+ and instead must apply through the regular plan review process.

What fees are associated with the SolarAPP+ process?

SolarAPP+ collects a one-time fee of $25. The City application process is separate and associated fees will remain the same as regular solar permit fees to cover inspection costs.

Can a panel upgrade be included in the approval and permitting process?

Yes, a panel upgrade up to a maximum of 400amps can be included as part of the automated SolarAPP+ process.

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Continue the Process:

Register or sign into to SolarAPP+

Submit project design details in SolarAPP+

Pay $25 administrative fee collected by SolarAPP+

Download SolarAPP+ approval documents

Submit SolarAPP+ permit application to the City of Santa Monica

Create a new building permit application

Provide SolarAPP+ approval details

Pay permit fees

Schedule inspection