SolarAPP+
Solarapp+ video: https://youtu.be/EnepQ-hKZg8?si=M6xtg6xnqnvljTpd
Culpeper County Building Department Residential Solar Permitting
The Culpeper County Building Department has partnered with the SolarAPP+ program to provide quick permit turnaround for residential roof mounted PV solar projects in our jurisdiction, to include the Town of Culpeper. You input the information and upload product specifications the program requires, as well as structural designs and electrical one-line designs. Once approved by SolarAPP+, the Building Department receives the approved documents. There are parameters in which SolarAPP+ will operate. The SolarAPP+ tool is limited to only residential roof mounted PV solar systems, Energy Storage Systems, and electrical load center service upgrades. See if your project is eligible for the Solarapp+ review process:
https://help.solar-app.org/article/43-what-types-of-systems-are-eligible-for-solarapp-review
Note: If the dwelling has an existing electric power production source i.e.: generator, battery, wind etc. the project will need to be permitted through the normal process: https://web.culpepercounty.gov/building .
Please note that the state of Virginia requires both an Alternative Energy Systems (AES) license and a Master Electrician license for these installations. These licenses must be current and issued through the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).
SolarAPP+ requires all contractors to register at https://solarapp.nrel.gov/ and complete the online contractor instruction course prior to submitting their first project: https://cleanenergytraining.org/products/how-to-use-solarapp-for-solar-and-storage-projects
BEGIN THE PERMIT PROCESS:
The process starts with a zoning permit from either the Town of Culpeper or Culpeper County predicated on the jobsite location. Application links are as follows:
County Zoning and Inspections via Civicgov:
https://www.civicgov2a.com/culpeper/portal/index.php
Once the zoning permit is issued, the solar project can be submitted to SolarAPP+.
Zoning permit approval is normally within 2-3 business days.
Important: Please list the contract amount and the utility power provider in the “Project Description” drop box in the SolarAPP+ application.
All applicable links can be found on the Culpeper County Building Department homepage: https://web.culpepercounty.gov/building .
Inspections will be a combination of installation photographs and a site inspection.
Photographs will include racking bracket mounting and roof rafter/truss structural reinforcement, if applicable. Complete photo list: https://web.culpepercounty.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/building_department/page/86/photo_announcement_3-14-23_final.pdf
Due to safety regulations and department policy, the installer or their qualified representative shall be on site during the final inspection to remove electrical device covers for inspection purposes, make necessary corrections to the installation if applicable, or answer any questions the inspector may have. The end goal is to approve the project safely and efficiently while undergoing a positive experience for the contractor and homeowner.
