Athens Launches SolarAPP+ to Streamline Residential Solar Permitting

Athens Launches SolarAPP+ to Streamline Residential Solar Permitting

Athens, Ohio - June 5, 2025 - The City of Athens, Ohio continues to elevate the resources available to residents interested in solar energy by piloting Solar Automated Permit Processing Plus (SolarAPP+). SolarAPP+ is a web-based platform designed to accelerate and simplify the permitting process for residential solar energy systems, improving the efficiency of Athens' ability to issue safe and compliant permits, while advancing clean energy adoption.

Mayor Patterson has advocated for sustainable energy initiatives throughout his administration and states, "We are excited to continually improve Athens' solar market conditions by expediting the permitting process, making it faster, easier, and more affordable for residents. Our community embraces every opportunity to support clean, green power and we are grateful for our partnership with Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC), SolarAPP+, and Citizenserve to bring this amazing resource to Athens."

Developed by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory and now operated by the nonprofit SolarAPP Foundation, SolarAPP+ automates plan review and code compliance checks for eligible solar systems. Jurisdictions that adopt the platform are able to issue permits instantly, reducing permitting wait times and lowering installation costs.

"The City of Athens is a model example of a jurisdiction that understands the positive impact SolarAPP+ can have on its community, " said Matthew McAllister, CEO of the SolarAPP Foundation. "We are excited to welcome them to SolarAPP+ and look forward to seeing the strides made to bolster solar energy in Ohio."

The City of Athens joins a growing coalition of more than 280 local governments across the country using SolarAPP+ to improve efficiency, enforce high-quality workmanship and safety compliance, and provide fast and reliable turnarounds for local businesses and residents.

A virtual training session for installers interested in learning how to secure permits using the SolarAPP+ platform is being offered on Monday, June 30^th from 12:30 - 2:00 PM. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/c0uGcq0QQ-CFmSI_dnUVig#/registration

The SolarAPP+ platform is available at no cost to local governments and integrates with existing permitting workflows. By launching this tool, the City of Athens, OH, a SolSmart Gold Designee , builds on its leadership in adopting clean-energy solutions that deliver measurable benefits to the community.

For Media Inquiries:

Amanda Brodbaek

Head of Marketing, SolarAPP Foundation

amanda.brodbaek@solarappfoundation.org

Learn more about SolarAPP+ atwww.gosolarapp.org