Fresno now uses SolarAPP+ to instantly approve eligible residential rooftop solar permits—no traditional plan review required. Licensed contractors submit designs in SolarAPP+, then upload the confirmation in the City’s Accela portal to receive the permit in real time. For qualifying projects, that’s how many go from “submitted” to “permitted” the same day.
What is SolarAPP+ (and why it’s faster)?
SolarAPP+ is a free, automated plan-review platform developed with the U.S. Department of Energy and managed by the SolarAPP Foundation/NREL. It performs instant code checks for standard, code-compliant residential PV (and, where enabled, PV-plus-storage) and generates an inspection checklist—dramatically shortening timelines. In NREL’s 2023 review, SolarAPP+ projects were permitted and inspected 14.5 business days sooner than traditionally permitted projects.
Fresno’s adoption: what changed in 2025
The City of Fresno Planning & Development Department offers instantly approved residential solar permits via SolarAPP+ for single-family and duplex homes. After contractors upload the SolarAPP+ confirmation to Accela, the permit is issued in real time. (Commercial systems must use the standard process.)
Fresno County also promotes SolarAPP+ for roof-mounted residential systems and explains that the SolarAPP+ confirmation is not the permit—you still complete the application and receive the actual building permit through the County Citizens Portal.
Who qualifies in the City of Fresno?
- Home type: Single-family or duplex residences.
- Project type: Eligible rooftop PV systems that pass SolarAPP+ code checks.
- Applicant: Licensed contractors registered with SolarAPP+.
- Not eligible: Commercial solar—apply through the City’s standard Accela workflow.
Tip: Projects outside SolarAPP+ scope (e.g., some battery-only jobs in County areas) follow different permit types; see Fresno County’s SolarAPP+ guidance. Fresno County
Step-by-step: getting a same-day solar permit in Fresno
- Submit to SolarAPP+. Contractor completes the design; if it passes automated checks, SolarAPP+ issues a confirmation and inspection checklist.
- File in Accela. Upload the confirmation and finish the City of Fresno Accela Citizens Access application (available 24/7).
- Permit issuance. With SolarAPP+ confirmation on file, the City issues the permit in real time, and you can schedule inspections.
How much faster is it?
- Instant plan review for qualifying systems (permit issued when the City receives your SolarAPP+ confirmation via Accela).
- Fewer delays overall: jurisdictions using SolarAPP+ completed projects ~14.5 business days sooner on median vs. traditional processes (2023 data).
Fresno vs. Fresno County: what’s the difference?
- Inside City limits: Use the City’s SolarAPP+ + Accela flow for eligible residential rooftop PV.
- Unincorporated/County jurisdiction: Use the County Citizens Portal and its SolarAPP+ instructions; remember, the County issues the permit, not SolarAPP+.
Pre-application checklist (save yourself a return trip)
- Hire a licensed contractor registered in SolarAPP+.
- Gather system specs (modules, inverters, mounting, electrical)—SolarAPP+ uses these to verify code compliance.
- Confirm eligibility (single-family/duplex, rooftop, not commercial).
- Create/confirm an Accela account for submittal and fee payment.
FAQs
Can homeowners apply directly in SolarAPP+? No. SolarAPP+ submissions are made by licensed contractors registered on the platform.
Does SolarAPP+ cover batteries? SolarAPP+ can support PV-plus-storage where a jurisdiction enables it; Fresno’s guidance emphasizes eligible rooftop PV. Check City/County pages for storage scope.
Is it really “same-day”? For qualifying projects, the City says the permit is issued in real time once the SolarAPP+ confirmation is uploaded via Accela—so same-day is typical when submittals are complete.