Rockville Adopts SolarAPP+ to Speed Solar Permitting
September 5, 2025
Rockville has launched Solar Automated Permit Processing Plus, or SolarAPP+, a web-based platform that automates plan review and permitting for residential rooftop solar systems.
The pilot program, part of the city’s Climate Action Plan, is intended to cut wait times, lower costs and streamline the permitting process for homeowners and installers of solar equipment.
Operated by the nonprofit SolarAPP Foundation, the platform was developed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory to automate code compliance checks for eligible systems.
More than 300 local governments nationwide use SolarAPP+ to improve efficiency, maintain safety standards and support local business. The platform is free for municipalities and integrates with existing permitting workflows. The platform allows jurisdictions to issue permits instantly, saving time and lowering installation costs.
Training on the app for installers is available at gosolarapp.org/installers.
Rockville’s Department of Community Planning and Development Services will announce dates and times for additional installer training sessions at a later date.