Solar APP+

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Solar App

License Contractors Can Now Submit Through SolarApp+

SolarAPP+, short for Solar Automated Permit Processing, automates the residential solar plan review process for issuing permits to licensed contractors to install code-compliant residential photovoltaic (PV) systems and energy storage systems. Submittal instructions are provided below.

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

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.

How to Use SolarAPP+

Step 1: Create or Log in to Existing Account

Register for a SolarAPP+ account (select Installer for account type)
Log in to existing SolarApp+ account

Step 2: Submit project in SolarAPP+

Submit your project through SolarAPP+.
Pay the residential solar permit fee and SolarAPP+ processing fee.
Download the approval documents. You will need to email them into the City prior to scheduling the first inspection. (See Step 3)
Questions or issues with the SolarAPP+ site? Please contact the SolarAPP+ Help Center.

Step 3: Prior to First Inspection

Email the residential solar permitting department at residentialsolar@barstowca.org. You will be asked to attach all documents received through SolarAPP+.
Southern California Edison (SCE) meter location approval is required if your project includes a main panel upgrades or meter relocation. A separate application and approval process is required with Southern California Edison (SCE) for meter approval and interconnection to their electrical grid. Southern California Edison Webpage: Building, Renovation and Planning Projects
While SolarAPP+ automates the review process for solar plans, submittals which contain installation of an EV charging station(s) require a separate electrical permit through the City of Barstow’s Building Department for the EV charging component. Please find the City of Barstow’s building permit application and associated instructions here: Building Permit Form

Step 4: Requesting an Inspection

Request an inspection through the City's Building Department by calling 760-255-5161. Inspections can be called in to schedule during normal business hours of Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm. Please note, the following timeframes are provided for inspections: Mornings (8:00 am to 12:00 pm) or Afternoons (1:00 pm to 4:30 pm). Same day inspections are not permitted. Contractors must furnish ladder for requested inspections.
- Prior to scheduling inspection, please note:
  - If unable to locate uffer, two (2) ground rods must be installed. Surge Protection Device (SPD) required per NEC 230.67/230.8.
  - Water and gas piping need to be bonded to the ground.
  - All signage is required to be hard plastic
  - Verification of compliance with California Residential Code Sections 314 and 315 regarding smoke and carbon monoxide detectors will be required at final inspection OR submittal of the Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Installation Self Certification Form must be provided prior to permit being finaled.

Important Note- Please Read:

A valid City of Barstow Business License is required to pull a permit in Barstow with SolarAPP+. You may apply and pay for a business license and then upload your receipt via SolarAPP+ as temporary proof of your City license, rather than putting in your license number.

SolarAPP+ Revisions

Submit your revision through SolarAPP+ (solarapp.nrel.gov).
You will be provided with a revised SolarAPP+ Approval Document.
The initial processing fee charged by the SolarAPP+ website covers up to three revisions.
If the scope of the revision makes the project ineligible for use of SolarAPP+, please contact Building & Safety to coordinate the revision submittal process.