Hello, solar enthusiasts! Today I’ll be talking about a revolutionary program that’s been driving adoption of solar panels for your home and helping streamline the deployment of clean, renewable energy— the Solar Automated Permit Processing Plus (SolarApp+). And yes, that’s quite a mouthful, but it’s an initiative that’s making it easier for many of us to take the leap into solar power.
One roadblock many solar advocates, including myself, have noticed on the road to renewable energy is solar permitting. The process, which could be time-consuming and costly, was effectively a speed bump on the highway to a clean, solar-powered future. However, SolarApp+ is bridging this gap, allowing local governments to approve solar projects swiftly and efficiently.
Debuted in 2021 by the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) and the Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO), SolarApp+ is more than just a programming marvel. It’s a step toward energy independence and climate responsibility, and it’s here to help homeowners like you install a solar array for home use.
Since its inception, SolarApp+ has made considerable strides in expediting the approval process for solar installations. Cutting around 12 days off the typical permitting process, SolarApp+ has already seen over 32,800 projects across 160 communities, and in the process, saved over 33,000 hours of staff time. The real beauty of it all? This streamlined system doesn’t sacrifice either safety or code compliance.
By making the solar permitting process less cumbersome and intimidating, SolarApp+ is doing more than merely making local governments’ work a tad bit easier. It is paving the way for households across the U.S. to tap into the power of the sun. As someone deeply invested in the world of solar, it’s been heartening to see these advancements.
The goal for SolarApp+ is to be adopted by 600 communities by 2023. While it’s not there yet, the progress so far is impressive. A lot of this has to do with the proven benefits of the software, and its growing role in helping the U.S. meet its goal of 100% clean electricity by 2035.
I encourage everyone to learn more about how solar companies are utilizing this incredible tool to streamline the process of solar installation. More importantly, I hope this inspires you to consider solar panels for your home. Remember, the sun is our most abundant energy source, and harnessing its power is not only economically smart but also a commitment to a sustainable future. After all, a shining solar array on your home not only generates clean energy but also represents hope for a greener planet.
Stay tuned for more insights, news, and guidance on all things solar!
Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/01/16/solarapp-speeds-solar-permitting-for-more-than-160-communities/
