SolarAPP+ Automated Solar Plan Review

1. Eligibility to use SolarAPP+Solar panel

  • Single Family Dwelling, Duplex, Accessory dwelling Units, and Permitted residential structures only
  • No ballasted systems
  • Located in the City of Santa Ana and not under any city jurisdiction
  • Must be a licensed contractor that previously registered with SolarAPP+
  • Permit Runners are not allowed to request SolarAPP+ permits

Planning Division Requirement

Electrical storage devices (i.e. power walls, batteries, etc...) shall not be placed on the premises or attached to a structure where it is visible from the public right-of-way.  The screening of this equipment from public view shall be required, with the design of the screening device subject to the approval of the Planning Division.  If placed within a garage or other parking area, the equipment and protective bollard shall not encroach into the required parking space dimension.

Fire Department Fire Code Requirement

Fire Detection. ESS installed in Group R-3 and R-4 occupancies shall comply with the following: Rooms and areas within dwellings units, sleeping units, basements and attached garages in which ESS are installed shall be protected by smoke alarms in accordance with Section 907.2.11.  A listed heat alarm interconnected to the smoke alarms shall be installed in locations within dwelling units, sleeping units, and attached garages where smoke alarms cannot be installed based on their listing.

2. Submit for Automated Review Through SolarAPP+

3. Required Documents

  • SolarAPP+ Approval Document & Specifications

4. Apply for Permit

  • Apply for your permit
  • Click Next
  • Verify Address
  • Log in
  • Select SolarAPP+
  • Provide your SolarAPP+ approval ID number
  • Upload your SolarAPP+ approval documents
  • Download and print your construction permit & job card

5. Getting an Inspection

  • Have your SolarAPP+ approval, construction permit printed, and available on-site for an inspector
  • Click here for instructions on how to schedule an inspection once your project is complete
  • The inspector has the right to request plans and specifications if needed

FAQ's - SolarAPP+ Residential Permits

Why is Santa Ana incorporating SolarAPP+ into the permit process?

What is SolarAPP+?

SolarAPP+ is a standardized plan review software that runs compliance checks and processes building permit approvals for eligible rooftop solar systems. NREL created SolarAPP+ process.

Who is NREL?

NREL stands for National Renewable Energy Lab, a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy, About NREL|NREL. SolarAPP+ is an application developed by NREL that allows authorized contractors to submit plans for certain rooftop residential solar projects and receive permits and plan check documents instantly.

Who Can Apply for SolarAPP+ Permits?

Contractors who have completed training and are approved by SolarAPP+ are the only applicants that are accepted to use this streamlined process on SolarAPP+

How does SolarAPP+ integrate with Santa Ana PBx?

Once the solar contractor gets their plan approved by SolarAPP+, the solar contractor applies for the permit on PBx with their SolarAPP+ approval code, and the permit is issued right away.

How does Santa Ana make sure the solar application is not proposing installations on unpermitted structures in the City?

When the contractor applies for SolarAPP+ on NREL Site, there will be a question to verify the building is permitted. If the building is not permitted, they are ineligible to apply on NREL’s SolarAPP+ and instead must apply for the regular solar permit. Click here for more information.

Does SolarAPP+ collect fees and will the City be charging Fees?

SolarAPP+ collects a one-time fee of $35.00.  The City application fee is separate and is the same as a regular solar permit.

What if the Contractor wants to do a panel upgrade at the same time?

There will be an option for an electrical panel upgrade when applying for your SolarAPP+ application

What happens if the contractor changes or requires resubmittal of plans?

SolarAPP+ allows up to 3 revisions under the $35.00 fee.  They must resubmit the application to SolarAPP+ and once the resubmittal is approved, they will receive a modified permit number, for example:

    • Original SolarAPP+ ID: SA20230117-242-19-1234-A
    • First Approved Revision SolarAPP+ ID:SA20230117-242-19-1234-B
    • Second Approved Revision SolarAPP+ ID: SA20230117-242-19-C
    • Third and Last Approved Revision SolarAPP+ ID: SA20230117-242-19-1234-D

Once the contractor receives the new SolarAPP+ ID, a revision request is required through the City of Santa Ana PBx portal.  Click here to submit a request. All revision requests are processed within 72 business hours.

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