Energy Storage Permitting Guidebook Version 1 - Flipbook - Page 17
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Energy Storage Guidebook
SolarAPP+ Electronic Permitting System
SolarAPP+, developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), a project partner for the
guidebook, is an automated, cloud-based permitting plan review system for small solar or ESS or both
that can be used to fulfill requirements of SB 379. SolarAPP+ seeks to streamline permitting processes to
make installations faster, less expensive, and of consistently higher quality. Adoption of SolarAPP+ by AHJs
and ESS installers will streamline permitting processes and should improve the quality of ESS installation
workmanship in California. SolarAPP+ encourages the adoption of consistent processes across AHJs and the
production of consistent energy storage plans across developers and installers. By automating much of the
permitting review process for standard applications, AHJ staff should be able to focus on more complex
nonstandard permit applications that require expert review.
SolarAPP+ conducts energy storage plan reviews, checking for residential codes, fire codes, and electrical
codes. It conducts 150 code compliance checks as part of the software’s algorithms that were developed
in collaboration with building safety organizations including UL, the International Code Council (ICC),
the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and representatives from the solar and storage industry.
SolarAPP+ is being used by AHJs across the country, including many in California. SolarAPP+ only reviews
ESS permitting applications for lithium-ion chemistries. Visit the SolarAPP+ webpage to learn more, and see
Appendix C for additional resources.
SolarAPP+ is available in a stand-alone version and a compatible version that can interface with the AHJ’s
existing permitting software, such as Accela or EnerGov. SolarAPP+ is free for AHJs to adopt and charges
applicants a $25 processing fee.
SolarAPP+ creates a custom inspection checklist for the permitted project, which allows inspectors to verify
that plans were implemented as designed, verifies equipment model numbers, and reduces the number of
plan documents that the inspector needs to cross-reference.
See Table 2 for a list of current and planned SolarAPP+ capabilities, and Appendix C or the SolarAPP+
website for checklists and additional information.
TA B L E 2
Current and Planned SolarAPP+ Capabilities
SolarAPP+ Feature
Status
Provide eligibility checklist
Available
Provide fire bulletin
Available
Check standard one- and two-family dwelling and townhome residential plans for installation
of new equipment via attestation-based compliance questions
Available
Support permitting of photovoltaic panels, built-in photovoltaic (BIPV), energy storage,
and main panel upgrades (MPUs)
Available
Produce customized checklist for use during inspection*
Available
Check nonstandard plans
Planned
Check plans that add storage to existing PV system
Planned
One- and two-family residential rooftop PV storage permit
Planned