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The City of Los Alamitos announced the launch of CityTech Solutions featuring SolarAPP+, an automated permitting application including the permitting of new residential rooftop solar and storage systems. This launch ensures Los Alamitos’ compliance with SB 379, the Solar Access Act, which requires cities and counties to adopt automated solar permitting systems to shorten project timelines and lower permit costs for residential solar installations.
Research has shown lowering the cost and increasing the speed of rooftop solar installation will have a significant impact on a system’s cost. The installation currently costs twice as much in the United States as compared to countries such as Australia or Germany, despite similar wages and equipment costs. SolarAPP+ helps governments and providers cut those solar permitting costs, encouraging property owners to invest on renewable and sustainable energy. Developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy, SolarAPP+ provides a web-based portal that streamlines and automates solar permit reviews, making it possible to obtain a residential solar permit in as little as a few minutes and entirely online. The app easily integrates into the Los Alamitos’ existing permitting software, CityTech Solutions, and is free for local jurisdictions.
The move to make solar more affordable to all communities has been applauded by local and state leaders as an important step to make the solar permitting process more efficient. “The launch of CityTech featuring SolarAPP+ will make it easier and more affordable for the thousands of Los Alamitos residents to get rooftop solar,” said Deputy City Manager, Ron Noda.
