As America accelerates its transition away from fossil fuels, rooftop solar emerges as a key solution. Producing energy locally reduces grid strain and the need for expensive transmission lines while preserving open spaces. Yet, despite its promise, only a fraction of rooftop solar potential has been realized in the United States.

Streamlining the installation process is crucial. Traditional permitting can be slow, complex, and costly. Enter instant solar permitting platforms: designed to expedite approvals for rooftop solar and battery storage systems while ensuring safety.

What is instant permitting?

Instant solar permitting streamlines the process by automating the review of solar plans. Instant permitting platforms ask solar installers detailed questions regarding the electrical, structural, and fire safety of a proposed solar system and then check whether the project is in compliance with local codes. These platforms are typically responsive, and any answers that fall outside of compliance will not allow the installer to proceed with the permit. The systems can also catch minor errors, typos, or miscalculations to ensure only code-complaint systems get approved. There are several instant permitting platforms available, including SolarAPP+ and Symbium.

The benefits are clear. Solar projects approved through instant solar permitting are installed and inspected faster, with a lower likelihood of inspection failure compared to traditional methods. This efficiency translates to significant time savings and improved quality, making solar installation more accessible and affordable for consumers.

The video linked below further explains the problems of our current approach to permitting for code-compliant residential rooftop solar system, and explains how instant permitting offers solutions.

States are taking notice. California requires jurisdictions to use SolarAPP+ or an equivalent instant permitting platform for residential solar installations, and Maryland passed similar legislation in 2024.

State grant programs are further speeding up instant permitting adoption. Currently six states – California, Colorado, Maryland, Illinois, Minnesota, and Washington – are establishing incentive programs for jurisdictions to adopt instant solar permitting platforms such as SolarAPP+.

Local leadership is driving change as well. Over 250 communities have committed to adopting instant solar permitting software.

You can support efforts to make it easier, faster and cheaper for families to put solar panels on their homes, by sending a message to your state legislators and urge them to cut red tape for code-compliant residential rooftop solar installations.