Automated Residential Solar Permits

Licensed Contractors Self Service Permits

Licensed contractors can now submit:

• Residential roof-mounted photovoltaic designs for automated review through SolarAPP+.

Automated Solar Plan Review

Before applying for an automated solar plan review and solar permit, projects must follow certain requirements.

• At this time, Solar APP+ is designed to provide a code-compliance check for the majority of residential, roof-mounted, retrofit photovoltaic systems.
• To see which systems are eligible, please refer to the SolarAPP+ Eligibility Checklist. Only projects that conform to this list are eligible to use the automated SolarAPP+ portal for instant permitting.

Using SolarAPP+

Step 1: Eligibility to Use SolarAPP+

• Main dwelling rooftop, permitted, residential structures only.
• Licensed Contractors Only (Non-licensed/owner-builders must apply for a regular Solar Permit with a regular Plan Check process.)
• Please review the SolarAPP+ Eligibility Checklist for acceptable projects.
• Solar projects non-eligible for the Automated Plan Review must apply for a regular Solar Permit with a Regular Plan Check Process.

Step 2: Submit for Automated Review Through SolarApp+

• Submit Solar/Photovoltaic design at solarapp.nrel.gov.
• Click Login or Register to get started.
• Have Contractors license information available to complete this step.
• A processing fee will be charged by SolarApp+ NREL.
• You will be provided with a SolarAPP+ Approval Document, which is generated ONLY when approved.
• An Inspection Checklist will be generated ONLY when approved. See inspection checklist sample.
• All the applicable permit fees will be assessed per the City of Madera Master Fee Schedule. Follow the prompts to make permit fees payment online.
• Print the provided permit documents.

Step 3: Obtain a City of Madera Permit

• SolarAPP+ will email directly to City of Madera copies of the Approval Document and Inspection Checklist.
• You will receive an email within 24 business hours containing the City of Madera permit number (for example, 20231482), which is needed for scheduling inspections.
• For Revisions (see the SolarAPP+ Revisions section below).

Step 4: Schedule Your Inspection

• Field solar representative shall verify the inspection checklist and sign the document confirming completion prior to inspection.
• Requests for Building Inspections made before 4:00 pm Monday through Friday will be scheduled for the following workday.
• Any requests received after 4:00 pm will be scheduled for the 2nd day following the call.
• Call in for inspections at 1 (559) 661-5445. You will be directed to leave a message for your inspection. Please leave the following information:
  • Permit Number (for example, 20231482)
  • Jobsite Address
  • Type of Inspection Requested
  • Day (Date) you are requesting the inspection to be carried out
  • You may request AM (8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) or PM (1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
  • Leave the job site contact person’s phone number in case the inspector needs it.
  • Any special instructions such as lockbox information, etc.
• The Permit, SolarApp+ Approval Document, and Inspection Checklist and specifications must be printed for inspection and at the job site at all times for inspection purposes.
• A reinspection fee will be applied if work is not ready or if the Permit and Approval documents are not printed and at the job site or if revisions are not completed via SolarApp+ prior to scheduling an inspection.
• To cancel an inspection, call the Building Department at 1 (559) 661-5440 immediately. If we are not properly notified of a cancellation, a reinspection fee will be applied and shall be paid prior to rescheduling an inspection.

SolarAPP+ Revisions

• ANY proposed changes to previously approved plans shall be submitted for review/approval, prior to doing the work and prior to scheduling an inspection, and a plan change fee shall be assessed.
• Submit your revision through SolarAPP+ first (solarapp.nrel.gov).
• Follow Steps 2, 3, and 4 above.
• You will be provided with a revised SolarAPP+ Approval Document and Inspection List.
• Download and Print your Approval Document, Inspection List, and permit documents.
• If the scope of the revision makes the project ineligible for use of SolarAPP+, please Contact the Building Department to coordinate the revision submittal process.

SolarAPP+ Tutorials and FAQs

Details about the SolarApp are available in a YouTube instructional video.

• What is SolarAPP+?
• What projects qualify to be submitted in SolarAPP+?
• IREC Training Classes