New data: Automated permitting speeds rooftop solar adoption

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) released its 2023 SolarAPP+ performance review today, finding that the automated permitting platform SolarAPP+ is speeding residential solar installations and saving staff time nationwide.

The review found that a typical SolarAPP+ project is permitted, installed, and inspected 14.5 days sooner than traditional permitted projects. and in 2023, reduced staff time by 15,400 hours in 2023.

“America needs more rooftop solar, and less red tape,” said Johanna Neumann, Senior Director of the Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy at Environment America Research & Policy Center. “Municipalities should adopt SolarAPP+ to make going solar as fast, easy, and hassle-free as possible.”

NREL launched SolarAPP+ in 2019, in collaboration with industry and the building safety community, and adoption of the platform has grown each year since. In 2023, 668 installers submitted 18,906 permits through the SolarAPP+ platform, including 4,834 permits for photovoltaic solar+storage systems.

NREL is hosting a webinar on June 26th where interested parties can learn more about SolarAPP+’s 2023 performance. You can register to attend the webinar here.