Solar App+

SolarAPP+ Pilot Program

Please note that the City of Lemon Grove has an active SolarAPP+ Program, however for now, it under a closed-pilot program that is only available to specific applicants/contractors. The City plans to officially launch the SolarApp+ Program on August 24, 2025 (tentative). 

In the meantime, if you are interested in participating in the pilot, please contact City staff at (619) 825-3813. The City will review your requested project and provide you a determination or you can wait for the program to go live in late August.

SolarAPP+ Program Live

Once the SolarAPP+ goes live, contractors will be allowed to apply for Solar Permits via SolarAPP+ and the City of Lemon Grove online permitting system

How to apply using SolarAPP+

General Eligibility to use SolarAPP+:  

•           Main Dwelling Rooftop, Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU), Permitted Residential structures only, including Multi-Family.
•            No Ballasted Systems.
•            Must be a licensed C-10 or C-46 contractor that has previously registered with SolarAPP+.
•           Permit Runners and B license holders are not allowed to request SolarAPP+ permits.
•            For a full list of requirements, please visit the SolarAPP+ website.

1. Register for an account and log into SolarAPP+:

·         Register for a SolarAPP+ account. Skip this step if you already have an account.

·         Must have an active City of Lemon Grove business license.

·         Sign in to SolarAPP+

2. Complete the SolarAPP+ application process:

·         Provide the required submittal documents and processing fees for SolarAPP+.

- Lemon Grove Building Application, which will include scope of work, property owners signature, and contractor information.

- Solar project Plan Set.

·         Receive an approval ID number from SolarAPP+.

·         Download and print the SolarAPP+ inspection checklist.

3. SolarAPP+ has approved your project:

·         SolarAPP+ will email the applicant about approval.

·         Once ready, applicant will call City Hall to make an appointment for issuance at 619-825-3800

·         Applicant will pay their permit fees and pick up the printed permit. (must be done in-person at this time)

4. Permit issued (same day):

·         Contractors use SolarAPP+ for instantaneous residential rooftop solar permitting. Once the online application process is complete and permit fees are paid, the permit will be issued the same day. The inspection checklist from SolarAPP+ that is uploaded will become a part of the permit set.

5. Schedule an inspection:

·         To schedule an inspection, please contact (619) 825-3808.

·         Your request must be made by 3 pm the day before the date that will be requested for an inspection. Please provide a permit number, address, date, name of point of contact and number, and specify what the inspection will be for.

·         Please note that the City cannot guarantee the requested date, as it will depend on availability, however the City will do its best to accommodate every request.

6. Inspection Date:

·         Have your Permit Inspection Job Card and approved SolarAPP+ documents printed and available on-site for the inspector.

·         FAIL: If you fail the inspection, you will receive a reason(s) that need to corrected and you must schedule another inspection.

- You will not be able to receive release from the City to SDG&E, until you pass your inspection.

·         PASS: If you pass the inspection, you will receive the following:

- Job Card will be signed off with Final building approval and PV and/or Battery Unit system release from the City to SDGE

Payment Cost:

·         There is a $35 fee to use SolarAPP+ paid directly to SolarAPP+ during the application process,     and an extra $25 if you have a battery attached.

·         This fee is in addition to the city’s regular permitting and issuance fees.

How are revisions handled:

·         Any changes to the site, equipment, size, etc., must be approved by revising the plans through SolarAPP+. Before scheduling an inspection, make sure you have the revised SolarAPP+ approval document.

·         SolarAPP+ allows three free revisions. After that, each additional revision costs $25.

·         Once the revisions are approved, applicants will receive an updated Inspection Checklist from SolarAPP+.

·         For inspections now have the updated plan set and checklist available on-site for the inspector.

Information:

For more information or specific questions, please call (619) 825-3847 or email building2@lemongrove.ca.gov