Thinking about going solar on your Los Altos home but worried about permits slowing you down? You are not alone. The process has a lot of moving parts, and you want a clear path from design to Permission to Operate. This guide gives you a simple SolarAPP+ checklist tailored to Los Altos so you know what to do, when to do it, and what to watch for. Let’s dive in.
What SolarAPP+ means in Los Altos
SolarAPP+ is an automated, online code review tool that can issue near‑instant approvals for qualifying residential rooftop solar and storage projects. The City of Los Altos accepts SolarAPP+ and provides local instructions, including how to finish the permit in eTrakit and schedule inspections. The city notes a $35 SolarAPP+ processing fee and that city permit fees still apply. You can find the city’s steps on the Los Altos SolarAPP+ page.
- Learn the platform basics on the SolarAPP+ portal at gosolarapp.org.
- See Los Altos’s local process and requirements on the city’s SolarAPP+ page.
Your SolarAPP+ checklist (Los Altos)
Step 1: Confirm eligibility
SolarAPP+ is built for standard, roof‑mounted residential systems. It excludes ground‑mount and many non‑standard configurations. System size, service ratings, and equipment must meet the platform’s limits. Some ADUs may qualify. Review the platform’s eligibility rules before you start.
Step 2: Hire the right contractor
Only licensed contractors can submit through SolarAPP+. Owner‑builder submissions are generally not allowed. In Los Altos, your contractor also needs an active Los Altos business license for this pathway. Confirm both the CSLB license and the local business license number.
Step 3: Submit the design in SolarAPP+
Your contractor enters the site and system details in the SolarAPP+ portal and pays the SolarAPP+ fee. If the design passes automated checks, SolarAPP+ issues an Approval Document and Approval ID. Save both. Start at gosolarapp.org.
Step 4: Apply in Los Altos eTrakit
Using a contractor account, apply for the SolarAPP+ permit type in eTrakit, upload the SolarAPP+ Approval Document, enter the Approval ID, complete city forms, and pay city fees. The City issues the permit through eTrakit. Print the permit and keep it on site. Follow the steps on the City’s SolarAPP+ page.
Step 5: Apply for PG&E interconnection
Interconnection is separate from the building permit. For net metering or export, submit PG&E’s Authorization & Agreement and the interconnection application. PG&E publishes forms, fees, and timelines on its Net Energy Metering and interconnection page. You will receive Permission to Operate (PTO) after PG&E completes its review.
Step 6: Schedule inspections
Schedule building inspections in eTrakit using the SolarAPP+ inspection checklist that came with your approval. Fire prevention items like roof pathways and signage may be reviewed on site. Los Altos contracts with Santa Clara County Fire, whose contact info is linked from the city’s Inspections page. You can also find fire prevention resources at Santa Clara County Fire.
Step 7: Manage changes and revisions
If your field installation changes from what SolarAPP+ approved, update the application and generate a revised Approval Document before inspection. See the platform’s guidance on revisions and existing systems in the SolarAPP+ inspection checklist article.
Documents to gather fast
- Contractor’s CSLB license and Los Altos business license number.
- SolarAPP+ Approval Document and Approval ID.
- Equipment spec sheets for modules, inverters, and batteries.
- Single‑line electrical diagram from your contractor.
- PG&E Authorization & Agreement so your contractor can submit interconnection.
Timeline and fees to expect
SolarAPP+ can approve eligible designs almost instantly, which can shorten the plan review step compared to traditional plan checks. The City still issues the permit in eTrakit and collects local fees. PG&E interconnection review and inspection scheduling can add weeks to the overall timeline. The SolarAPP+ fee is noted by the City as $35, and city permit fees vary by project scope. Budget time for utility review and any panel or service upgrades.
What inspectors look for
Inspectors use the SolarAPP+ inspection checklist to verify your installation matches the approved design. They check electrical connections and labels, roof attachments and penetrations, access pathways and setbacks, and required signage and rapid shutdown labeling. Mismatches or missing labels usually result in corrections and a reinspection.
Avoid common pitfalls
- Unpermitted prior work. Past unpermitted electrical or structural changes can delay final approval if discovered during inspection.
- Non‑listed equipment. If a major component is not on approved lists, PG&E or the City may request more documentation.
- Field changes without a revised approval. Update SolarAPP+ and upload the revised Approval Document before inspection.
- Missing business license. In Los Altos, the SolarAPP+ path requires the contractor to hold a current local business license.
Buying or selling a Los Altos home with solar
If you are selling, disclose what you know about the system and share documents such as permits, final inspection, interconnection, and any lease or loan. The C.A.R. SOLAR Advisory and standard disclosure forms help sellers capture key details for buyers. Learn more about typical disclosure items in this overview of C.A.R. forms from HomeGuard.
If the system was financed through PACE, a lien may be attached to the property that must be disclosed and addressed before closing. This overview explains why buyers and lenders pay attention to PACE liens: PACE lien considerations.
For buyers, request the permit and final inspection record, the SolarAPP+ Approval Document and ID if used, PG&E interconnection and PTO, and any lease or loan paperwork. You can also ask the City to verify permit status through eTrakit, starting with the city’s Inspections page.
Ready to plan your solar project or prepare a listing with solar? If you want a clear, local game plan for timing, disclosures, and what buyers expect on the Peninsula and Coastside, reach out to Shanti Minkstein.
FAQs
What is SolarAPP+ and how does Los Altos use it?
- SolarAPP+ is an automated code review tool for standard residential rooftop solar; Los Altos accepts SolarAPP+ approvals, then issues the permit in eTrakit and schedules inspections.
Who can submit a SolarAPP+ application in Los Altos?
- Licensed contractors with an active Los Altos business license can submit; owner‑builder submissions are generally not allowed through SolarAPP+.
How long does solar permitting take with SolarAPP+?
- The automated review can be near‑instant, but total time depends on city processing, inspections, and PG&E interconnection, which can add weeks.
Do I still need PG&E Permission to Operate after city final?
- Yes. Interconnection is a separate utility process; you need PG&E PTO before you can export power to the grid.
What documents should a buyer request for a Los Altos home with solar?
- Ask for the building permit and final, the SolarAPP+ Approval Document and ID if applicable, PG&E interconnection and PTO, and any lease, loan, or PACE paperwork.
