#sp3637, #energy

https://www.nrel.gov/news/program/2021/solarapp-software-automates-residential-solar-permitting.html

ARTICLE SUMMARY

1. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) released a pilot version of a no-cost, no-touch software system for cities and counties across the country to streamline rooftop solar permits in late 2020
2. Besides gaining efficiency, local governments can count on SolarAPP to increase permitting fee revenue, enhance local resilience, establish safe solar-grid connections, and accelerate job growth in solar energy
3. SolarAPP is beneficial for both compliant and non-compliant solar project designs. If a system is compliant, SolarAPP will approve the design and issue a permit instantly. If a system is not compliant, SolarAPP will decline the application and clarify why the system was not code-compliant, allowing the contractor to go back and revise their application in real time
4. SolarAPP is compatible with local government permitting software, including Accela and OpenGov, which serve thousands of local governments across the United States

STAKEHOLDERS

1. Government officials
2. Contractors
3. Private Citizens

DEPLOYMENT STRATEGY NATIONALLY

1. NREL to start a campaign and market the app
2. Target marketing to areas with 150 and more days of sunshine
3. Work with local government for subsidies