In a move to enhance efficiency and support sustainability, La Crescent, a city in southeastern Minnesota, has adopted a novel software program to simplify the permitting process for residential solar installations. Although the city processes only a few solar permits annually, officials believe that streamlined procedures will benefit both homeowners and contractors. The new system aims to accelerate the approval of solar projects, aligning with broader efforts to promote renewable energy across the state.
Several other cities have explored various methods to expedite the solar permitting process, but La Crescent’s approach stands out due to its collaboration with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). SolarAPP+, the software being implemented, has already gained traction in over 160 municipalities nationwide. Earlier implementations often struggled with integrating local and state permitting requirements, unlike La Crescent’s current initiative, which is backed by state funding and comprehensive training for local agencies.
A Collaborative Effort
Developed by NREL in partnership with the solar industry, local governments, and building safety experts, SolarAPP+ automates much of the permitting process for smaller solar installations. Jason Ludwigson, La Crescent’s sustainability coordinator, stated,
“The software will save time for both contractors and the city, making it faster for our building and zoning department.”
Minnesota lawmakers have allocated $2 million to the Commerce Department to support communities in adopting this software, aiming to encourage widespread use across the state.
Standardizing Procedures
The Minnesota solar industry supports SolarAPP+ for its potential to standardize a currently inconsistent permitting process, which can save companies time and reduce costs. Solar permits in the state can take several days to weeks and cost up to $1,000. The new software integrates with existing systems and provides automated approvals for accurately completed applications, significantly reducing the workload on local government staff.
California has been a leading adopter of SolarAPP+, but other states like Wisconsin and Iowa are beginning to follow suit. By the end of 2023, the software had been used in 32,800 projects nationwide, saving an estimated 33,000 hours of staff time. Installers pay a modest administrative fee for the service, which is generally seen as a worthwhile investment for the time saved.
Several challenges remain, including the software’s inability to handle permits for projects on flat or metal roofs, common in the Midwest. This issue is partly due to the region’s unique weather conditions, such as high snow loads, which the software has not yet adapted to manage effectively. Despite these limitations, officials remain optimistic about its broader implementation and potential benefits.
State Rep. Patty Acomb highlighted the importance of consistent permitting processes, which SolarAPP+ aims to provide. Lissa Pawlisch from the Department of Commerce emphasized that the software could also aid in the new federally funded Solar for All program, intended to serve low-income households. This comprehensive approach aims to remove barriers and make solar energy more accessible to various communities.
The initiative in La Crescent to streamline solar permitting aligns with Minnesota’s broader climate goals. By reducing the time and cost associated with obtaining permits, the city hopes to encourage more residents to install solar panels. This local effort, supported by state funding and effective software, sets a precedent for other communities aiming to transition to clean energy efficiently and equitably. The success of SolarAPP+ in La Crescent could serve as a model for other municipalities considering similar initiatives.
