Automated Residential Solar Permits

Licensed Contractors: Self-Service Solar Permits

Licensed contractors can now submit residential, roof-mounted photovoltaic (PV) systems for automated permit review through SolarAPP+ (formerly hosted at solarapp.nrel.gov).

Automated Solar Plan Review

Not all solar projects qualify for automated review. SolarAPP+ is designed to process many residential rooftop retrofit PV systems. Be sure to check eligibility before submitting.

• SolarAPP+ handles most residential, roof-mounted PV systems that fit its compliance rules.
• Refer to the SolarAPP+ Eligibility Checklist for the full requirements and system types eligible for automated permitting.

How to Use SolarAPP+

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• The installation must be on the main dwelling rooftop of a permitted residential structure.
• Only licensed contractors may use SolarAPP+; owner-builders or non-licensed applicants must go through the regular permit route.
• Check the SolarAPP+ PV Eligibility PDF for detailed criteria.
• If your project exceeds SolarAPP+ parameters (e.g. ground-mounted, too large, atypical configuration), proceed through the standard plan check process.

Step 2: Submit the Application

• Visit gosolarapp.org to log in or register.
• Provide contractor license info, system specs, and project details.
• SolarAPP+ will charge a processing fee.
• If approved, SolarAPP+ generates an Approval Document and Inspection Checklist.
• Download and print permit documents; pay any City of Madera fees according to the Master Fee Schedule.

Step 3: Receive the City Permit

• SolarAPP+ will forward the Approval Document and Checklist to the City of Madera automatically.
• You will receive an email with your City permit number (for scheduling inspections).
• If revisions are required, follow the revision procedure before scheduling inspections.

Step 4: Schedule Inspection

• The field inspector will compare the install to the printed Inspection Checklist onsite.
• Inspection requests before 4:00 p.m. (Mon–Fri) are scheduled for the next workday; requests after 4:00 p.m. are scheduled two days later.
• Call *(559) 661-5445* to request an inspection. Please provide:
  • Permit number
  • Jobsite address
  • Inspection type
  • Requested date
  • AM (8:00–12:00) or PM (1:00–4:00) preference
  • Contact phone and any site instructions (lockbox, gate, etc.)
• Keep printed copies of the Permit, Approval Document, Inspection Checklist, and specifications on site at all times.
• If the site is not ready, documents are missing, or revisions are not applied, a reinspection fee will apply.
• To cancel an inspection, call the Building Department at (559) 661-5440 immediately. If cancellation is not timely, a reinspection fee will be assessed before rescheduling.

Revisions to Approved Plans

• Any proposed changes must be submitted and approved in SolarAPP+ before proceeding or scheduling inspection.
• Submit revisions through SolarAPP+ following the same process steps.
• SolarAPP+ may issue a revised Approval Document and Inspection List reflecting changes.
• If the revision makes the project ineligible for SolarAPP+, coordinate with the Building Department to process a traditional permit.

Tutorials, FAQs & Resources

Learn more through the following SolarAPP+ resources:

• What is SolarAPP+?
• SolarAPP+ PV Eligibility Checklist (PDF)
• IREC / Clean Energy Training — SolarAPP+ Courses
• 5 Easy Steps to SolarAPP+ Adoption (NREL)