The City of Santa Clara offers licensed contractors the option to use SolarAPP+, an online web portal that automates the plan review and process for issuing permits to install code-compliant residential photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Based on model building, electrical, and fire codes, SolarAPP+ automatically performs a compliance check on inputs provided by the contractor to ensure the proposed system is safe and code-compliant. Installation practices, work quality, and adherence to the approved design are then verified by the City of Santa Clara through the inspection process.

SolarAPP+ speeds up the permitting process and allows the City of Santa Clara to issue qualifying Residential Solar PV permits faster.

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Before applying for an automated solar plan review and solar permit, projects must meet certain requirements to be eligible.

Eligibility

To see which systems are eligible, please refer to the Eligibility Checklists. Only projects that conform to this list are eligible to use the automated SolarAPP+ portal for permitting.

Currently, the City of Santa Clara supports the following project types in SolarAPP+:

• Residential Solar PV
• Residential Solar PV with Energy Storage

The City of Santa Clara does not support Building Integrated Solar PV through SolarAPP+.

Additional Requirements

• Only licensed contractors may submit through SolarAPP+.
• SolarAPP+ only supports residential projects.
• Systems up to 15 kW.
• Energy storage must be no more than one battery and 20 kWh.

If your project includes scope that is not eligible for SolarAPP+, please use the regular building permit application.

Required Documents

• Silicon Valley Power (SVP) Interconnection Agreement Pre-Approval Letter.
• SolarAPP+ Approval Document
• SolarAPP+ Approval ID

Get Started

1. Silicon Valley Power (SVP) Interconnection Agreement Pre-Approval
• Receive pre-approval from Silicon Valley Power.
2. Register for a SolarAPP+ Account
• Register through the SolarAPP+ Registration Webpage.
• Need help? See How do I register an installer account with SolarAPP+?
• If already registered, please skip to step 3.
3. Submit for automated review through SolarAPP+
• Log in to SolarAPP+ and submit your design.
• SolarAPP+ charges processing fee(s) separately from the City permit fees.
• Download the approval document and make note of your SolarAPP+ Approval ID.
4. Submit your permit application through the Permitting Online Portal
1. With your approved document and approval ID from SolarAPP+, you can now submit your permit application through the Permitting Online Portal.
2. Login to the Permitting Online Portal.
3. Navigate to the Building tab and select Apply for a Permit.
4. Select Residential Solar PV with SolarAPP+ from the permit application selector.
5. Fill out all relevant information.
6. Upload the following documents in the Attachments section:
• SolarAPP+ approved document 
• SVP Interconnection Agreement Pre-Approval letter
7. Double check all information has been entered correctly.
8. Pay your fees by pressing Pay Fees Due.
9. After paying your fees, you’ll be taken back to the Permitting Online Portal where the status of your permit will be displayed.
5. Your permit will be issued
• Your permit may be issued immediately depending on the scope and details of your project. If it is not issued immediately, the Building Division will review your application and, in most cases, approve your permit within 1-2 business days.
6. Complete the SVP Interconnection Agreement process
• SVP will be notified that your permit has been issued and they will reach out to you to complete the interconnection agreement process.
7. Schedule your inspections
• Residential PV with SolarAPP+ permits require two inspections:
• Building Inspection (199 Permit Final)
• Fire Inspection
• The order in which you schedule these inspections does not matter.
• You can schedule your Building inspections through the Permitting Online Portal or by calling our automated inspection scheduling phone number (408-615-2400).
• You can schedule your Fire inspection through the Permitting Online Portal or by contacting the Fire Department’s Community Risk Reduction Division (408-615-4970).

FAQ's