SolarAPP+ Permitting Integration

This help centre article aims to equip you with everything you need to know in order to successfully utilise the SolarAPP+ permitting integration in OpenSolar. 

Contents: 

• Getting started
• Creating a new project
• Completing your SolarAPP+ permit application
• Finishing your SolarAPP+ permit application
• Need support? 

Getting started

I do not have a SolarAPP+ account

Okay, first things first, let’s get you set up with SolarAPP+:

1. In your OpenSolar account, go to Control > Other > Integrations & API Keys
2. Locate the SolarAPP+ integration section and click “Register For SolarAPP+.”
3. You’ll be redirected to the SolarAPP+ website and be prompted to create a new account with them
4. Upon creating your new account, return to the Integrations & API Keys page and follow the steps below

I already have a SolarAPP+ account

Great! In order to connect your OpenSolar account with SolarAPP+, you’ll need your Client ID and Client Secret. Follow these steps to obtain these and connect via OpenSolar: 

1. Log in to your SolarAPP+ account 
2. Open the menu in the top right corner and click on API Token
   
    
3. Toggle on the switch to Enable API
4. Here you will see your Client ID and Secret
   
   
    
5. Keeping this tab open, return to OpenSolar > Control > Other > Integrations & API Keys
6. Locate the SolarAPP+ integration section and click “Connect Your SolarAPP+ Account.”
   
    
7. Copy and paste the ID and Secret from your SolarAPP+ account into the respective fields presented in the modal. 
8. Once connected, you’re ready to start creating new permits directly from your OpenSolar Projects! 

Creating a new project

When you create a new project, OpenSolar will run a check to see if the project address is in a participating SolarAPP+ jurisdiction and whether your organization's license(s) is up to date. We’ll cover both scenarios below:

1. Project address not in a participating jurisdiction
   • In the scenario where the project address, unfortunately, is not within a SolarAPP+ participating jurisdiction, you will be able to nominate this AHJ for SolarAPP+ by clicking the button presented. 
   • Unfortunately, you will not be able to use the integration to create a permit with SolarAPP+ in this case.

2. Project address is in a participating jurisdiction, but your license is not up to date
   • There may be some instances where your organisation's state or local license is not valid for the AHJ in which the project resides. 
   • Here, you will be presented with the opportunity to upload a license. Click the “Upload License” button. 
   • Fill in the form as directed. 
   • Once you have populated this form, you will receive a notice informing you that the license is with SolarAPP+ for review. 
     
      

• Once this has been approved by SolarAPP+, the project state will automatically be updated, and you will be able to follow the steps in the scenario below. 
  
   

3. Project address & license are eligible
   • If your project resides in a participating SolarAPP+ jurisdiction, and your organization's license is valid, you can proceed to creating your permit! 
   • Before starting the permit application form, you will be prompted to select the “product type” you are installing. 

• Upon submission, you will be directed to the start of your application form - this will open in a new tab.

Completing your SolarAPP+ permit application

You will now find yourself in the SolarAPP+ permit application. At any point, you can return to your project manage page by clicking “Back to project”.

Complete the application form as prompted, working through the sections step by step. 

Your application progress is automatically saved throughout, allowing you to exit and return at a later time to continue. Progress through the application will be visualised in your project management page, giving you insight into the percentage level of completion. You can re-enter the application via this integration widget, too. 

Finishing your SolarAPP+ permit application

1. Making Payment fully in SolarAPP+
   • Depending on the AHJ, you will be able to make both SolarAPP+ platform and AHJ permit fees directly through SolarAPP+. 
   • Upon making the respective payments, you will be presented with the completed summary page. 
     
      
2. Making payment via SolarAPP+ & the participating AHJ
   • In some cases, you will be required to make the SolarAPP+ platform fee payment in SolarAPP+ and the AHJ permit fee via the AHJ's own website. 
   • Upon making the SolarAPP+ payment, you will be notified of the requirement the complete payment with the AHJ. 
   • Please note that if you do not pay the AHJ permit fee, then you will not be issued a permit.
   • After this, you will be presented with the completed summary page. 
     
      
3. Returning to OpenSolar
   • After payment has been made and your permit is complete, upon returning to OpenSolar, you will see a completed ‘Permit Issued’ state in the Integrations widget, and your permit documentation will be deposited in the project's document repository. 
     
      

Need support? 

The OpenSolar and SolarAPP+ teams are on hand to provide support if you experience difficulties during this process. Refer to the below links to get in touch with our dedicated support teams:

• OpenSolar - Raise a Ticket
• SolarAPP+ - Contact Us