Prince William County Launches SolarAPP+ for Home Solar Energy Systems

Prince William County is excited to announce the launch of SolarAPP+ (Solar Automated Permit Processing Plus), a cutting-edge system designed to automate the residential solar permitting process. This initiative aims to significantly enhance the efficiency of permitting for residents interested in installing solar energy systems at their homes.

Mandi Spina, Director, Department of Development Services said, “By allowing approved contractors to utilize same-day automated permitting, the SolarAPP+ initiative is poised to revolutionize the residential solar permitting landscape in the County.”

With the integrated web portal, approved contractors can effortlessly submit their projects through the SolarAPP+ system. The platform checks for jurisdiction-required criteria, ensuring compliance, and issues permits on the same day, providing a seamless experience for both contractors and residents. 

Effective, October 31, 2024, contractors will have access to SolarAPP+, a viable third option for residential solar project submission, which no longer requires plan review, reduces staff processing and permitting time, and other associated costs with residential solar projects.

To begin, contractors must submit a request to become a County Approved SolarAPP+ Contractor, attend a mandatory meeting, and register with SolarAPP+. For information on how to become qualified, visit pwcva.gov/residentialsolar.

Prince William County’s adoption of SolarAPP+ was made possible with special thanks to Freedom Forever Virginia and Sunrun Installation Services who piloted the program, and County staff who helped expedite the SolarAPP+ Pilot Phase within several months (February to September). To learn more about this and other county initiatives visit PWCWorks.

SolarAPP+ was launched in 2021 by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in collaboration with the building safety community and industry. The online platform automates the permitting process for residential solar systems, making it easier for local governments to approve projects.

If you have questions or need clarification, please contact us at [email protected] or (703) 792-6930.

About Prince William County Department of Development Services

The Department of Development Services promotes a culture where staff and customers work in partnership to create and sustain a better quality of life and environment in which to live, work and play. Development processes are designed to be effective and efficient, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.  The Department of Development Services supports economic development, public safety, revitalization, infrastructure improvements, and the protection of natural resources.  Staff provides customers the highest quality of service and respect.  We supply the public with development information through effective communication and education. To learn more visit: www.pwcva.gov/department/development-services, email: [email protected] or call (703) 792-6930.