California’s Biggest Cities Will Require Instant Online Solar Permitting as of 2024

The solar permitting process has long been a major obstacle for contractors. Red tape and case backlogs have often caused solar projects to be delayed for weeks or even months, creating instability in cash flow and greater hesitance among solar panel leads. Fortunately, many of California’s contractors will soon have a more efficient means for obtaining permits. 

Instant Online Permitting Soon Required for CA’s Larger Cities

This September, bill SB 379, the Solar Access Act, was signed into law. This new legislation will require automated online permitting to be used in cities with more than 5,000 residents, and counties with more than 150,000 residents (including all cities within those counties). 

These new rules will go into effect on different dates, depending on qualifications:

• September 30th, 2023: Cities & counties over 50,000 residents

• September 30th, 2024: Cities under 50,000 residents

New Software Systems Coming 

Of course, for the transition to go smoothly, an efficient system needs to be put in place. California’s cities and counties are permitted to use whatever programs will allow for the online submission and automatic processing of permit applications. 

However, the DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has provided a free program already designed for this purpose: SolarAPP+. The web-based app can be smoothly integrated with existing local government permitting software. 

The adoption of SolarAPP+ and other automated online permitting tools will require investments that may be too large for certain municipalities. The California Energy Commission (CEC) has responded to this need with the CalAPP program, which will issue $20 million in grants to support the rollout.

How will solar panel lead generation be impacted?

Easing the flow of the permitting process is bound to make solar installation much faster and simpler. For residents who have been intimidated by the bureaucracy and long wait times, the transition to instant online permitting will remove much of the friction that keeps them from forging ahead with solar. 

Naturally, however, the buzz over the new change is bound to draw attention from leads that aren’t actually likely to buy. Contractors can filter for serious customers by working with an agency that delivers fully pre-screened leads, selected for their purchase readiness.

Grid Freedom is a top agency that provides contractors with confirmed appointments with thoroughly-vetted leads. Each homeowner has been evaluated by live agents via personal phone interviews, allowing for a true understanding of their eligibility and interest. 

Connect with CA’s Best Solar Customers at www.GridFreedom.com