By Steven Ùgalde, TXSES Marketing & Outreach Coordinator
The City of Houston and the Houston Permitting Center (HPC) have achieved remarkable success in the solar and renewable energy industries, largely attributed to the cutting-edge software development, SolarAPP+. Houston has fully embraced this pioneering platform, propelling the city toward a more sustainable future through rapid solar energy adoption.
SolarAPP+, the solar automated permit processing developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), represents a groundbreaking online web portal meticulously engineered to revolutionize plan review and permitting procedures for residential photovoltaic (PV) systems while strictly adhering to code compliance.
Through its advanced functionality and utilization of model building, electrical, and fire codes, SolarAPP+ autonomously conducts a comprehensive compliance assessment based on input data, ensuring that proposed solar installations not only meet safety standards but also align with code requirements. The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) oversees the installation process, assessing practices, workmanship, and alignment with approved designs during thorough inspections.
At no charge to municipalities, this innovative platform significantly expedites the permitting process without incurring any costs for the cities. SolarAPP+ not only accelerates the integration of solar energy but also reinforces sustainable practices. TXSES is spearheading the initiative to support other communities in adopting this cutting-edge technology, thereby advancing SolarAPP+’s mission to streamline installation processes for installers and lower costs for consumers.
Inspired by Houston’s forward-thinking commitment, TXSES Executive Director Patrice Parsons and I hosted a city-wide gathering, uniting key stakeholders, including the HPC, NREL and the 12 approved installers, to draw insights from firsthand experiences of installers using SolarAPP+ and identify areas for potential enhancement.
The meeting presented a unique opportunity for a carefully selected group of stakeholders including passionate solar enthusiasts, seasoned industry professionals, and representatives from NREL to explore SolarAPP+’s multifaceted attributes, its prospective benefits, and the challenges to implement. The central theme revolved around the strategic transition from the pilot phase to full-scale implementation.
Throughout the session, the participants actively engaged in open dialogue with distinguished experts hailing from both NREL and HPC about the transformative influence of SolarAPP+ on the intricate solar permitting procedures. Attendees eagerly contributed their first-hand experiences with the platform, adding a practical dimension to the discussions.
A substantial amount of time and effort was invested in gaining a profound understanding of SolarAPP+’s impact on the solar sector. This meticulous examination allowed attendees to appreciate how this innovative platform is reshaping the industry’s landscape and promoting sustainability.
One significant proposal that emerged from these deliberations involved the implementation of an annual renewal license at the state level. This proposed license would require solar installers to submit new applications each year, ensuring their compliance with a code of ethics and addressing any pending or unresolved projects. Companies failing to address existing installation issues or customer complaints would be temporarily barred from initiating new projects until these issues were appropriately resolved.
One of the most pressing issues revolved around the poaching activities of fraudulent solar companies. These companies, through deceptive advertising, were undermining the integrity of the pilot program and other installers, resulting in financial losses for some consumers. Extensive discussions and collaborative efforts were initiated with other industry players to devise a viable solution to curb this fraudulent poaching issue.
TXSES is taking proactive steps to address these concerns. An all-encompassing meeting is scheduled for early November, which will include companies participating in the pilot program and TXSES’ esteemed business members. This gathering aims to foster collaboration and develop comprehensive strategies for legislative advocacy to enact policies that promote solar equity and justice.
To attend this crucial meeting, individuals are encouraged to become members of TXSES. Inquiries about membership can be directed to me at sugalde@txses.org. Detailed information about the meeting, which will focus on issues related to poaching and compliance, will be provided. For further insights into SolarAPP+, visit our website or feel free to reach out to me at sugalde@txses.org with any questions or concerns.