Licensed contractors can now submit residential roof-mounted photovoltaic designs that include panel upgrades/change-outs, and Energy Storage Systems (ESS) for automated review through SolarAPP+

• Main Dwelling Rooftop, Permitted, Residential structures only
• No Ballasted Systems
• Manufactured Homes are not eligible
• NOT in a special district or an historic neighborhood
• NOT in an environmentally sensitive area or hillside development zone
• To see which systems are eligible, please refer to the SolarApp+ Eligibility Checklist
• Licensed Contractors Only

How to Submit for Automated Review Through SolarAPP+ 

• Register or sign into SolarAPP+ (SolarApp+ first time contractors will need to take a quick training course) Direct URL: solarapp.nrel.gov
• Submit application and designs (Pay applicable fee to SolarApp+)
• Download SolarAPP+ Approval Documents
• Go to cathedralcity.gov/css and select Login or Register (If you have never used our self service portal, please register with your primary business email address) 
• Once you are logged in, select “Apply” and search for “Solar PV System”
• Complete the application by uploading necessary documents and paying fees
• Schedule your Inspection with City Building Inspectors by requesting an inspection using our CSS Portal

SolarAPP+ Revisions (Before Inspections)

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

Important Notices

If you have already submitted an application for the project through the original Building & Safety - Residential Solar PV Permit application, staff is working diligently to process these applications that are already in our system. Do not duplicate any applications that have been submitted to us previously. Please contact Building & Safety staff for revisions to these projects, do not submit revisions through SolarAPP+

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+?