Instant Solar Permit - SolarAPP+

Instant Solar Permit (ISP) Now Available through SolarAPP+

Contractors specializing in solar installations can now apply for the City's newly introduced Instant Solar Permit (ISP) through the assistance of SolarAPP+. This automated online platform is designed to streamline the process of obtaining permits for new residential rooftop solar and energy storage systems. By utilizing SolarAPP+, contractors can obtain an ISP promptly for solar and energy storage systems that comply with the relevant codes.

The ISP application is exclusively available to contractors registered with SolarAPP+ and covers both roof-mounted solar photovoltaic panel installations, with or without energy storage systems. Additionally, contractors can choose to include a main electrical service upgrade along with the ISP application. For a comprehensive list of eligible systems, please refer to the SolarAPP+ Eligibility Checklists. Only systems listed in these checklists qualify for the ISP when processed through SolarAPP+.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Building Division staff via email.

Steps for Obtaining Instant Solar Permit

STEP 1: REGISTER AND LOG INTO SOLARAPP+

STEP 2: SUBMIT PROJECT IN SOLARAPP+

Submit your project through SolarAPP+.
Pay the processing fee charged by SolarAPP+. The fee is currently set at $25.
Download the approval documents. You will need to upload them into the City's online permitting portal, Citizen Access, when applying for your permit.

STEP 3: APPLY FOR PERMIT IN CITIZEN ACCESS

View the steps below:

Apply for Permit

Log in to Citizen Access, the City's online permitting portal.
Apply for an "Instant Solar Permit (ISP)" in the portal. You will be asked to upload submittal documents, including those you downloaded from SolarAPP+. See below.

Upload Required Submittal Documents

SolarAPP+ Approval Documents (all ISP applications)
SolarAPP+ Inspection Checklist (all ISP applications)
Equipment Specifications

Pay Permit Fees

Pay permit fees in Citizen Access.
- One fee payment is required for the ISP. This is an inspection fee that covers two inspections for the same element (i.e., one failed inspection or cancellation after 2 p.m. the day preceding the inspection is covered by the permit fee). If additional inspections are required, re-inspection fees will be assessed and must be paid prior to the final inspection.

Next Steps

Once all of the required submittal documents are uploaded and the fees have been paid and the e-permit form is signed, the ISP will automatically issue. The signed ISP Permit/ Job Card will be generated and found in the "Attachment" section of the record in Citizen Access.

Revisions

If you have revisions to your issued ISP, please email permitcenter@cupertino.gov your revised permit application(PDF, 1MB), SolarAPP+ Approval Documents, and SolarAPP+ Inspection Checklist.

STEP 4: SCHEDULE INSPECTION IN CITIZEN ACCESS

Log in to Citizen Access, the City's online permitting portal.
Select “My Records."
Select the record number.
Select “Schedule an Inspection” near the top of the page.
Complete the inspection request form.