DBI launches SolarAPP+ pilot for 1–2 unit rooftop solar permitting, targets 30 applications

The Department of Building Inspection on Jan. 18 presented a pilot to use SolarAPP+, a web application developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory that performs automated checks and enables near‑instant approval of qualifying rooftop solar installations for one- and two‑unit residences.

Deputy Director of Permit Services Neville Pereira said the pilot is intended to process about 30 applications to test customer workflow and the inspection response. SolarAPP+ will be optional and operate alongside DBI’s traditional plan-review process. Pereira described key eligibility criteria: rooftop-mounted installations only, single-family or two-family dwellings, no existing arrays on site, total power output of 10 kilowatts or less, single‑phase 240‑volt systems and a maximum of two DC strings.

Under the workflow shown to the commission, applicants complete an online questionnaire with automated validation checks; when inputs pass, SolarAPP+ issues a checklist and a reference number that the applicant uploads to DBI, pays required fees through DBI’s portal, and schedules an inspection. Inspections use the checklist to validate in the field; alerts generated during the application require resolution before submission proceeds.

Commissioners asked for clearer visuals and examples of the user interface and for outreach to smaller, immigrant and non‑English contractor communities. Pereira said user-acceptance testing is in its final phase, larger contractors like Sunrun and Tesla already use the system in other jurisdictions, and DBI will conduct demonstrations and recorded outreach in multiple languages.

Deputy City Attorney Rob Capla noted upcoming state law changes that will likely expand SolarAPP+ requirements and timelines for solar and storage approvals; commissioners and staff agreed to revisit the item with additional visuals when those state requirements are clearer.

DBI said it will continue user acceptance testing, invite contractors for demonstrations and return with a more visual presentation at the public advisory forum and future commission meetings.