New Orleans Becomes First Louisiana Jurisdiction to Adopt SolarAPP+ for Solar Permitting

January 2, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

New Orleans Becomes First Louisiana Jurisdiction to Adopt SolarAPP+ for Solar Permitting

NEW ORLEANS - New Orleans has made history as the first jurisdiction in Louisiana to adopt the Solar Automated Permit Processing Plus (SolarAPP+), a groundbreaking platform for permitting residential rooftop solar installations. This milestone places New Orleans among more than 250 jurisdictions nationwide using SolarAPP+ to streamline solar permitting and accelerate the adoption of clean energy solutions.

"New Orleans is proud to lead the charge in Louisiana with SolarAPP+," said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. "This platform will empower our community to embrace clean energy by simplifying the permitting process for solar installations, ensuring safety, and supporting the growth of sustainable jobs in the region."

This decision underscores the City's commitment to modernizing processes and fostering a sustainable future for its residents. By integrating SolarAPP+, New Orleans is taking a leadership role in advancing Louisiana's clean energy transition, reducing permitting delays, and making solar energy more accessible and affordable for residents.

SolarAPP+ was developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy and key industry stakeholders. The platform automates the plan review and compliance checks for residential solar systems, reducing permitting timelines by an average of three weeks. This efficiency benefits homeowners by enabling quicker installations while reducing administrative burdens on local governments and small businesses.

Since its launch, SolarAPP+ has processed over 75,000 permits nationwide, demonstrating its ability to cut red tape while maintaining rigorous safety and code compliance standards. The adoption of this innovative technology highlights the City's dedication to embracing cutting-edge tools that promote economic development and environmental stewardship.

Launching SolarAPP+ in New Orleans will continue its mission of decreasing soft costs associated with solar installations, provide uniform enforcement of code and safety standards, and accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies. This move aligns with Louisiana's broader clean energy goals and reinforces New Orleans as a hub for innovation and progress in the region.

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About SolarAPP+™

SolarAPP+ is a free-to-use platform for local governments that automates solar plan review and permitting, reducing approval times for residential rooftop solar projects. To learn more about the program and its benefits for communities, visit gosolarapp.org.

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