Energy Storage Permitting Guidebook Version 1 - Flipbook - Page 23
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Energy Storage Guidebook
Requires applicants to secure the local zoning coordinator’s approval before beginning the
permitting process.
Requires applicants to secure interconnection agreements before beginning the permitting
process.
Requires any additional requirements or guidance not included in SolarAPP+.
Require inspector training and emphasize that inspector training counts toward continuing education
units (CEUs).
Launch marketing/public relations, outreach, and education campaign to alert potential applicants
of the new online permitting process.
Provide a step-by-step how-to guide for using SolarAPP+ and navigating the AHJ’s full submission
process on its website to ensure that contractors/installers submit projects with the right documents.
A list of other AHJs and their SolarAPP+ landing pages can be found on the SolarAPP+ Support website
under General Questions, “Where is SolarAPP+ available?”, at https://help.solar-app.org/.
Guidance should include:
Submittal checklist that aligns with SolarAPP+ eligibility criteria.
Guidance for meeting requirements mentioned in the attestations, including clarification on
disconnect requirements.
Guidance for how to submit revisions after construction begins.
Log questions regarding the online energy storage permitting process to develop FAQs and provide
feedback to NREL.
Determine whether AHJ permitting system-compatible or stand-alone version is the best fit based
on your system capabilities.
Installers: How to Submit an Application in SolarAPP+
When preparing to submit an application via SolarAPP+, project contractors/installers can refer to the
SolarAPP+ eligibility checklist to verify that the project approach will meet SolarAPP+ qualifications.
(See Appendix C for eligibility checklist.) Contractors and installers will submit applications for standard
residential solar systems up to 38.4 kW paired with lithium-ion ESS through SolarAPP+. They will submit
applications for larger systems through the AHJ’s nonstandard process. AHJs may vary in how they process
nonstandard residential ESS applications.
Step-by-Step Guidance for Submitting an Application Through SolarAPP+
The following steps emphasize tips for contractors and installers submitting ESS permit applications
through SolarAPP+.
Where to Begin
Contractors and installers should first visit the AHJ’s landing page for solar and storage permitting. For AHJs
that use the SolarAPP+ stand-alone version, contractors and installers will be directed to the SolarAPP+
website to complete forms and pay SolarAPP+ an administrative fee set at $25 and the permitting fee. The
AHJ will email the permit to the installer. If the AHJ uses the AHJ permitting system-compatible SolarAPP+
version, contractors and installers will be directed to the SolarAPP+ website to complete forms and pay the
SolarAPP+ administrative fee before being redirected back to the AHJ website to pay the permitting fee and
receive their permit. Contractors and installers can submit revisions to the SolarAPP+ permit application any
time before the site inspection. This ability allows contractors and installers to make on-site corrections and
log those corrections in the application before inspection.