Online Solar Permit Application Interoperability Standard

The application and approval process for solar PV construction permits is well recognized by the industry as inefficient with hidden costs borne by the integrator. Several software companies have begun to offer online permitting services. However, without additional software standards, the industry risks creating software islands of inefficiencies, replacing the current inefficient manual process. This draft software interoperability specifications describes a general approach to automating the building permit process and its interfaces to the various stakeholders. While this document describes a proposed online solution, it is also important to note that this solution has yet to be prototyped or tested.

*See accompanying "Online Permitting Challenge" presentation for information on an industry-wide competition to bring solar permitting on-line.