Energy Storage Permitting Guidebook Version 1 - Flipbook - Page 21
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Energy Storage Guidebook
To issue job cards from SolarAPP+ and process payments, the AHJ will need to do the following:
Fill out specific registration fields that determine which conditions apply in the AHJ’s territory,
such as main panel upgrades, main breaker derate, and environmental design constraints
(wind speed, snow load).
Provide an email address that contractors/installers can use to receive their job card and remain in
contact with the AHJ through the permitting process. (To encourage rapid processing, this digital
approach is preferable to requiring contractors/installers to copy or hand-deliver documents to the
AHJ office.)
Provide a way for contractors/installers to make electronic payments in SolarAPP+ via electronic
payment vendors (for example, Stripe). Systems must be able to handle electronic payments
for the automated permitting software to be worthwhile. Currently, SolarAPP+ only supports Stripe.
(See guidance for setting up a Stripe account in Appendix C.)
The AHJ will need to input manually the permitting information SolarAPP+ sends to the AHJ into its
record retention systems. (The Freedom of Information Act requires AHJs to maintain digital records
that are backed up.)
Outside SolarAPP+, the AHJ will need to manage scheduling inspections and work with the utility
to establish the requirements for initiating interconnection of storage with the grid. Utilities typically
require inspection final approval before approving interconnection.
SolarAPP+ AHJ Permitting System-Compatible Version
The SolarAPP+ AHJ permitting system-compatible version allows SolarAPP+ to communicate with existing
AHJ permitting software. SolarAPP+ has partnerships with two GovTech software companies, Accela and
EnerGov, and is compatible with other software like Central Square’s e-Trakit, as well. Accela and EnerGov
provide built-in templates that can be activated by AHJs. These templates allow contractors/installers to
have a splash page, a place to enter SolarAPP+ approval IDs, and a place for contractors/installers to upload
approval documents to the AHJ. The connection between SolarAPP+ and software like Accela or EnerGov
allows contractors/installers into the AHJ software to pay permit fees and receive their permits from the
AHJ. Once the permit records are integrated into the AHJ’s permanent record system, the AHJ can treat the
permit record like any other permanent record. For example, the AHJ can schedule inspections based on
the permanent record. All records are retained in the permitting system, including permits, SolarAPP+ IDs,
checklists, spec sheets, worker’s compensation information, and so forth.
SolarAPP+ is not an application programming interface (API). Software providers wishing to make their
systems compatible with SolarAPP+ must be able to accommodate four requirements: the ability to upload
PDFs, take payments, handle a unique SolarAPP+ ID number, and immediately issue digital permits. AHJs with
proprietary or third-party systems likely have these capabilities; and their IT departments will likely require
some programming time to make their systems compatible with SolarAPP+. Those AHJs considering adopting
systems should consider systems that are flexible enough to work with SolarAPP+.