SolarApp+ Initiative

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SolarApp+ was fully implemented by Prince William County's Department of Development Services on October 31, 2024.

Solar panels on home

PWC Works projects reflect our commitment of striving for exceptional customer service, maximizing operational efficiencies, increasing modernization, providing excellent service delivery, and collaborating with the community for a coordinated response that achieves the best possible outcomes for our residents and the overall wellbeing of the county.


What is SolarApp+

SolarApp+ is a system designed to automate the residential solar permitting process to create a more efficient process and better experience for residents interested in installing solar at their homes. The integrated web portal allows approved contractors to submit their projects through the SolarApp+ system, which will check for jurisdiction-required criteria and issue a same-day instantaneous permit.

Purpose

The SolarApp+ initiative aims to streamline the residential solar permitting process. Currently, residential solar contractors have two options for submission:

  • Regular Plan Review Submission (follows normal plan review timelines)
  • Residential Solar County Typical Plan Submission (expedited time/cost savings)

This project will streamline the residential solar permitting process by allowing approved contractors to submit for same-day automated permitting.


Main Goals of SolarApp+

  • Streamline the residential solar permitting process
  • Cost/time savings for contractors and citizens installing residential solar
  • Education for contractors on jurisdiction- specific requirements, as there is a mandatory meeting with county staff prior to becoming an approved user of SolarApp+

Success Criteria of SolarApp+

  • Provide residential solar contractors a viable third option for project submission
  • Reduce the permitting time and cost associated with residential solar projects
  • Decrease in plan review staff time, as there will no longer be a formal plan review for SolarApp+ submitted projects. Contractors are aware that if the plan submitted and approved through SolarApp+ is not in alignment with the conditions onsite, a plan review will be required.

PWC Works projects reflect our commitment of striving for exceptional customer service, maximizing operational efficiencies, increasing modernization, providing excellent service delivery, and collaborating with the community for a coordinated response that achieves the best possible outcomes for our residents and the overall wellbeing of the county.


What is SolarApp+

SolarApp+ is a system designed to automate the residential solar permitting process to create a more efficient process and better experience for residents interested in installing solar at their homes. The integrated web portal allows approved contractors to submit their projects through the SolarApp+ system, which will check for jurisdiction-required criteria and issue a same-day instantaneous permit.

Purpose

The SolarApp+ initiative aims to streamline the residential solar permitting process. Currently, residential solar contractors have two options for submission:

  • Regular Plan Review Submission (follows normal plan review timelines)
  • Residential Solar County Typical Plan Submission (expedited time/cost savings)

This project will streamline the residential solar permitting process by allowing approved contractors to submit for same-day automated permitting.


Main Goals of SolarApp+

  • Streamline the residential solar permitting process
  • Cost/time savings for contractors and citizens installing residential solar
  • Education for contractors on jurisdiction- specific requirements, as there is a mandatory meeting with county staff prior to becoming an approved user of SolarApp+

Success Criteria of SolarApp+

  • Provide residential solar contractors a viable third option for project submission
  • Reduce the permitting time and cost associated with residential solar projects
  • Decrease in plan review staff time, as there will no longer be a formal plan review for SolarApp+ submitted projects. Contractors are aware that if the plan submitted and approved through SolarApp+ is not in alignment with the conditions onsite, a plan review will be required.

SolarApp+ was fully implemented by Prince William County's Department of Development Services on October 31, 2024.

  • SolarAPP+ Same-Day Automated Permitting Service for Home Solar Energy Systems Now Available

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    Effective, October 31, 2024, solar contractors will have access to SolarAPP+ (Solar Automated Permit Processing Plus), a cutting-edge system designed to automate the residential solar permitting process.

    With the introduction of SolarApp+ web portal, Prince William County is the third and the largest locality in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the fifth jurisdiction on the East Coast to offer same-day automated home solar energy permitting services.

    “By allowing approved contractors to utilize same-day automated permitting, the SolarAPP+ initiative is poised to revolutionize the residential solar permitting landscape in the county,” said Mandi Spina, Director, Department of Development Services. “Over the long term we hope the SolarAPP+ initiative makes a meaningful impact for our residents and helps reduce climate emissions, by making it easier and faster to install solar panels on rooftops.”

    This initiative aims to significantly enhance the efficiency of permitting for residents interested in installing solar energy systems at their homes. With the integrated web portal, approved contractors can effortlessly submit their projects through the SolarAPP+ system. The platform checks for jurisdiction-required criteria, ensuring compliance, and issues permits on the same day, providing a seamless experience for both contractors and residents. To begin, contractors must submit a request to become a County Approved SolarAPP+ Contractor, attend a mandatory meeting, and register with SolarAPP+. For information on how to become qualified, visit pwcva.gov/residentialsolar.

    Prince William County’s adoption of SolarAPP+ was made possible with special thanks to Freedom Forever Virginia and Sunrun Installation Services who piloted the program, and county staff who helped expedite the SolarAPP+ Pilot Phase within several months (February to September). If you have questions or need clarification, please email [email protected] or call (703) 792-6930.