SolarApp+ For Solar Installers  

SolarAPP+ Automated Solar Plan Reviews

Before applying for an automated solar plan review and solar permit, projects must meet certain requirements. At this time, SolarAPP+ is able to provide a code-compliance check for some residential, roof-mounted, retrofit photovoltaic systems that Brentwood issues permits for. To be eligible to submit a SolarAPP+ application, projects must meet the following criteria:

• PV system must be installed on a permitted main dwelling rooftop only (no trenching allowed);
• PV system installations required for Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) CEC code compliance may not be submitted as a SolarApp+ application;
• The project cannot include an expansion to an existing solar system;
• No Ballasted Systems;
• The project cannot include EV charging equipment;
• The project cannot include a main service panel upgrade;
• Must be applied for and issued to a California licensed contractor (C-10, C-46, or B classifications only) that has previously registered with SolarAPP+;
• Permit Runners or Expediters are not allowed to submit a SolarAPP+ application;
• The project must otherwise meet the stipulations of the Eligibility Checklist.

Only projects that conform to this list are eligible to use the automated SolarAPP+ portal for instant permitting. 

Steps to complete a project utilizing the SolarAPP+ portal:

1. Submit an automated review through the SolarAPP+ Webpage. If this is your first time using the SolarAPP+ service, you will need to create an account before you can submit your design for a compliance check.

    

2. SolarAPP+ will charge a processing fee to complete the compliance check.

    

3. Once you have a project approval from SolarAPP+ you will be directed back to this page to log into the City’s electronic permitting portal. More information on the City’s portal, including the creation of a user account, can be found here. IN ORDER TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION, YOUR CONTRACTOR’S LICENSE AND INSURANCE INFORMATION MUST BE VALID AND UP-TO-DATE.

    

4. Once logged in, submit a new permit application using the permit type/subtype combination of SolarAPP+/Solar or Solar+Storage and upload the following attachments at the time of application:

    

   • SolarAPP+ Approval Document
   • Completed Declarations Form signed by the contractor
   • Completed Residential Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Certification signed by the property owner
   • Completed Authorization to Act as Agent Form signed by the property owner

      

5. You will be directed to a third-party website to pay the City permit fees due.

    

6. Once your application is submitted and fees are paid, your permit will be issued and you will no longer be able to upload additional documents. IF THE SolarAPP+ APPROVAL DOCUMENT IS NOT UPLOADED, THE PERMIT WILL BE UNISSUED AND THE APPLICANT WILL BE DIRECTED TO FILE A REGULAR SOLAR PERMIT APPLICATION. IF ANY OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS ARE INCOMPLETE OR MISSING, STAFF WILL PLACE A HOLD ON INSPECTIONS, PENDING PROPER COMPLETION OF THE APPLICATION MATERIALS.

    

7. Schedule a Final Inspection (Code *3195).

For assistance using the SolarAPP+ portal, please reference the help service here.

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