Energy Storage Permitting Guidebook Version 1 - Flipbook - Page 19
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Energy Storage Guidebook
LEARN
Register
Configure
Pilot
Launch
Learn About SolarAPP+
Before registering for SolarAPP+, AHJs should talk with the SolarAPP+ team to learn about the app’s
computing requirements, consider how best to address local permitting requirements, and determine
which version — stand-alone or compatible version — is best for their jurisdiction.
Computing Requirements
Setting up SolarAPP+ requires a few basic digital computing capabilities. If your system cannot perform
the functions listed below, contact SolarAPP+ staff before registering for an AHJ SolarAPP+ account.
Contact team@solarapp.org and use the subject line “SolarAPP+ software compatibility question for
SolarAPP Outreach Manager” to ensure your message is quickly routed to the correct staff member.
AHJ computing capabilities include the following:
Send and receive documents via email or web forms.
Upload PDFs.
Accept a unique approval ID.
Handle payments electronically using vendors such as Stripe.
Issue permit instantly after payment.
An AHJ may need to revise workflow processes and staff responsibilities, especially if the AHJ is shifting from
processing paper project plans to processing plans digitally.
Addressing Above-Code Local Requirements
If the AHJ has any above-code requirements related to ESS, it should list those requirements on its SolarAPP+
landing page. SolarAPP+ supports compliance with current California Title 24 code,7 which follows the
2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) and 2021 International Building Code (IBC). If an AHJ wants to include
requirements above state code, the AHJ must work with SolarAPP+ to discuss the justification for those
above-code requirements. SolarAPP+ only adjusts for geographic, climatic, topographic, or environmental
considerations. SolarAPP+ will not adjust for AHJ’s preferences such as above-code spacing requirements.
For example, the City of San Francisco requires rigid metal conduit for all supply-side connections at ground
level. (See 300.37 Aboveground Wiring Methods in San Francisco Building Commission Codes.8) SolarAPP+
does not enforce specific conduit requirements for this practice as the code allows for different wiring
methods to be used. The city communicates to contractors/installers on their AHJ SolarAPP+ landing page
the extra requirement that will be enforced at inspection.
7 California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) 2021. “History of the California Building Code.” https://www.dgs.ca.gov/BSC/About/History-of-theCalifornia-Building-Code--Title-24-Part-2
8 City of San Francisco. 2022. 2022 San Francisco Electrical Code Amendments to the 2022 California Electrical Code, Title 24, Part 3. https://sfdbi.
org/sites/default/files/2022%20SFEC%20Draft%20Amendments%20Item%236.pdf.