Residential Solar One Stop

Licensed contractors can now submit:

• residential roof-mounted photovoltaic designs for automated review through SolarAPP+; and 
• an online application for an auto-issued permit. 

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
• No ballasted systems
• No systems with battery backup (coming soon)
• No building-integrated photovoltaic systems (BIPV)
• Please review the SolarAPP+ Eligibility Checklist for acceptable projects
• Licensed Contractors Only

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.

Step 3:  Apply for Permit

• Apply for a permit online via the City of Stockton Accela Citizen Portal.
• Click Login or Register to get started.
• Accept the terms of service, select OVER-THE-COUNTER PERMITS, select OTC - Photovoltaic.
• Click Continue Application and follow the prompts.
• Include the SolarAPP+ Approval Document and input the SolarAPP+ approval number to proceed.
• Follow the prompts to make payment online, print the provided permit documents.
• Revisions (see below Revisions section).

Step 4:  Schedule Your Inspection

• Log in or set up an account at the City of Stockton Accela Citizen Portal.
• Under the Building heading, click Schedule an Inspection.
• Enter the permit number (ex. BP2#-#####).
• Follow the prompts to complete the inspection scheduling; detailed instructions on how to schedule online can be found HERE.

SolarAPP+ Revisions

• Submit your revision through SolarAPP+ first (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.
• Navigate to the Accela Citizen Access portal.
• Click on Building and click Create an Application.
• Accept the terms of service, select OVER-THE-COUNTER PERMITS, select OTC – Photovoltaic Revision.
• Click Continue Application and follow the prompts.
• Include your revised SolarAPP+ Approval Document and input your revised SolarAPP+ approval number to proceed.
• Follow the prompts to make payment online, print your permit documents.

• If the scope of the revision makes the project ineligible for use of SolarAPP+, please Contact Building & Life Safety Division to coordinate the revision submittal process.

SolarAPP+ Tutorials and FAQs 

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

• What is SolarAPP+?
• How do I make changes to approved SolarAPP+ plans?
• How do I submit a project through SolarAPP+?
• Contractors Guide: Issues & upcoming improvements
• What projects qualify to be submitted in SolarAPP+?
• How do I make changes to approved plans?
• Contractors Guide: Release notes
• What types of systems are not eligible for SolarAPP+ review?
• Is there a limit on system size SolarAPP+ can review?
• How do I register with SolarAPP+?

External Links

There are currently no external links.

This City of Stockton web page last reviewed on --- 1/7/2022