Costs
Yes, staff time necessary for implementation is included as a reimbursable cost under the APPS grant.
The rate is based on the employee salary. When submitting the budget form to request funds, applicants should include all employees that might be working on the project, their job title, hourly rate, and expected hours worked. CEO will provide an invoicing template to grantees to use when submitting for reimbursement.
Yes, any costs related to installer training are included as reimbursable under the APPS grant. This includes staff time to plan the training, facility rentals, and training materials.
No, APPS grant funding can not be applied to costs that a jurisdiction has already expended. However, jurisdictions that are in the process of adopting a platform can submit an APPS grant application to apply to future costs necessary for platform adoption.
Yes.
Yes, a jurisdiction may use APPS funding to switch from one platform to another. However, APPS will only allocate one grant award per applicant. Therefore, a jurisdiction may not use APPS funding to switch platforms more than once.
No, there are no ongoing costs after installation. This includes if there are any updates to regulations or code cycles.
Symbium and SolarAPP+
- The City and County of Denver, CO and Bennett, CO have adopted SolarAPP+. See a full list of jurisdictions that have adopted SolarAPP+.
- Symbium opened its program to Colorado in April of 2024. See a full list of jurisdictions that have adopted Symbium.
- SolarAPP+: SolarAPP+ only restricts the interconnection method and the size of the service disconnect. SolarAPP+ can qualify systems up to 38kW with a code compliant interconnection method provided that they follow the other provisions of the code.
- Symbium: The maximum size of rooftop PV systems currently eligible for an instant solar permit through Symbium is 38.4 kW. That said, Symbium does not impose any arbitrary limit on the size of the system. Instead, it relies on other factors, such as the rating of service panel equipment, interconnection requirements, and relevant local regulations, to determine whether a project scope qualifies for an instant solar permit. Instant permitting on Symbium is highly configurable and customizable to serve each jursidiction’s needs.
- SolarAPP+ is compatible with structures built to the Residential code and includes one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes less than 3 stories above grade. SolarAPP+ is not suitable for multi-family high rise apartment buildings, structures where the occupants are transient in nature, or when the structure was not built according to the residential code.
- Symbium can issue instant solar permits for all types of residences. Likewise, instant permitting on Symbium is available for many other permit types in addition to solar and energy storage.
Both platforms are capable of requiring the user to upload an approved interconnection agreement before approving and issuing a permit.
- SolarAPP+ will continue to develop compliance models for the most recently published editions of the code. Contractor fees enable the SolarAPP+ Foundation to continuously improve on the code compliance specification. SolarAPP+ currently supports NEC editions 2017 through 2023 and I-code editions 2018 and 2021. The team has started work on the specification for the 2024 Residential code.
- Symbium currently supports NEC editions 2017, 2020, and 2023; I-Codes editions 2015, 2018, and 2021; and local fire codes and amendments to those codes. Symbium works closely with code experts who are actively involved in the development and revision of NEC and tracks applicable regulations and code updates so that they are rolled out prior to the effective date of the regulation.
- SolarAPP+ works on the provisions of the International Existing Building code for its normal structural checks. The contractor attests that the structure is suitable for the design conditions without modifications and meets the manufacturers criteria for installation. At AHJ request, SolarAPP+ can evaluate structural spans per the tables established in the code and provide real-time feedback to the contractor. Future updates will link manufacturer design data with SolarAPP+ inputs to inform array configuration including rail span, overhang, and rail separation. SolarAPP+ now references the ATC Hazard Tool to determine local design conditions for a specified address.
- Symbium: No technology that exists today can accurately review a structural drawing for code compliance. That being said, Symbium does offer a detailed structural module, building upon the detailed structural checks outlined in Solsmart, that can be turned on for interested jurisdictions; this module asks the applicant a more detailed set of questions to check if the proposed PV array will not overload a roof or the attachments to the roof. Symbium also has the flexibility to require the applicant to answer additional questions or upload other types of documentation that is directly responsive to a jurisdiction’s individual needs and requirements (e.g., an engineering document demonstrating that the PV installation can withstand the location’s wind and snow loads).
- Both platforms charge a $25 fee to the permit applicant.
- These fees are charged to the user, not to the jurisdiction.
- SolarAPP+contact: team@solar-app.org
- Symbium: hello@symbium.com