SolarApp+

Instant and Affordable Solar Permit Available through SolarAPP+

Contractors can use SolarAPP+ for faster rooftop solar permits. SolarAPP+ is a streamlined permitting process for licensed solar contractors. Contractors submit a project to SolarAPP+ which uses software to automate the plan review process. For the City of Santa Cruz, SolarApp+ will instantly issue the permit after payment is complete. Installation practices, workmanship, and adherence to the approved design are verified in the inspection process.

  • See a full list of eligibility requirements(PDF, 10KB).
  • Only new rooftop solar photovoltaic on detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes and related accessory structures (e.g., a garage or ADU).
  • While Solar APP+ does not specify a limit for the system's total rated wattage capacity, there are technical limits on the power rating of service panel equipment, and these are enforced by Solar APP+. Projects may be permitted to install up to 400A main service, 225A service disconnect switches and 225A busbars.
  • Properties with active code compliance cases, service requests (an unverified code compliance complaint), voided permits, or a location in a flood zone* may NOT participate in this system.

Please contact Building Division at bcounter@cityofsantacruz.com or (831) 420-5417 or in person at 809 Center Street, Room 101 Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

Steps for Obtaining an Instant Solar Permit

Follow the steps below to get registered and/or logged in for submitting your online permit.

Step 1: Eligibility to Use SolarAPP+

  • Main welling rooftop, permitted, residential structures only.
  • Licensed Contractors Only (Non-licensed/owner-builders must apply for a regular Solar Permit with a regular Plan Check process.)
  • Please review the SolarAPP+ Eligibility Checklist(PDF, 10KB) for acceptable projects.
  • Solar projects non-eligible for the Automated Plan Review must apply for a regular Solar Permit with a Regular Plan Check Process.

Step 2: Submit for Automated Review Through SolarApp+

  • Submit Solar/Photovoltaic design at https://gosolarapp.org/.
  • Click Login or Register to get started.
  • Have Contractors license information available to complete this step.
  • A processing fee will be charged by Solar App+ NREL.
  • You will be provided with a Solar APP+ Approval Document, which is generated only when approved.
  • An Inspection Checklist will be generated ONLY when approved. See inspection checklist sample.(PDF, 929KB)
  • All the applicable permit fees will be assessed per the City of Santa Cruz Master Fee Schedule. Follow the prompts to make permit fees payment online.
  • Print the provided permit documents.

Step 3: Obtain a City of Santa Cruz Permit

  • Solar APP+ will email directly to City of Santa Cruz copies of the Approval Document and Inspection Checklist.
  • You will receive an email containing the City of Santa Cruz permit number (for example, 20231482), which is needed for scheduling inspections.
  • For Revisions (see the Solar APP+ Revisions section below).

Step 4: Schedule an Inspection

  • Field solar representative shall verify the inspection checklist(PDF, 929KB) and sign the document confirming completion prior to inspection.
  • Inspections can be scheduled for issued permits by calling (831) 420-5110. Inspections will be posted by 8 a.m. the morning of scheduled inspection. To contact the Building Division, email bcounter@cityofsantacruz.com or call (831) 420-5120.
  • The Permit, Solar App+ Approval Document, and Inspection Checklist and specifications must be printed for inspection and at the job site at all times for inspection purposes.
  • A reinspection fee will be applied if work is not ready or if the Permit and Approval documents are not printed and at the job site or if revisions are not completed via Solar App+ prior to scheduling an inspection.

Important Notes About Scheduling

  • Inspection requests made after 2 pm do not have the option for the next business day; rather they are scheduled for the second business day to allow us to schedule our routes.
  • Inspection requests submitted through voicemail are not guaranteed and should always be confirmed with admin or building staff.
  • The fastest way to check your timeframe is to visit Building Inspections
  • Scheduled inspections may be cancelled or changed by calling (831) 420-5110. Please give at least an hour's notice before changing or cancelling an appointment.

Solar APP+ Revisions

  • Any proposed changes to previously approved plans shall be submitted for review/approval, prior to doing the work and prior to scheduling an inspection, and a plan change fee shall be assessed.
  • Submit your revision through SolarAPP+ first (https://gosolarapp.org/).
  • Follow Steps 2, 3, and 4 above.
  • You will be provided with a revised SolarAPP+ Approval Document and Inspection List.
  • Download and Print your Approval Document, Inspection List, and permit documents.
  • If the scope of the revision makes the project ineligible for use of SolarAPP+, please us to coordinate the revision submittal process.

SolarAPP+ Introduction and Technical Demo Video

Solar APP+ FAQ

For more information about Solar APP+, please refer to the following links below.

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