Web-based permit package generator dramatically reduces soft-costs for residential PV

SolarDesignTool has launched a complete web-based permit package generation tool for residential rooftop photovoltaic systems, an industry first. Each solar permit package contains a cover page, site plan, single-line diagram, placards and labels, attachment plan, fire safety plan, equipment data sheets and certifications, and attachment detail when using rail-based mounting components from Unirac, SnapNRack, IronRidge, or Quick Mount PV.

"The permitting process has typically been a major headache for installers and the last major hurdle to getting solar into the hands of the consumer," says Derek Mitchell, SolarDesignTools founder and CEO. "Our permit package generator dramatically reduces the soft costs associated with residential PV installations."

Conceived as an alternative to traditional CAD-based methods of permit package creation, prone to long turnaround times, human-induced typos, and miscommunication errors, SolarDesignTool's web-based approach allows solar installers to specify a system design in as little as fifteen minutes, then generate and download a complete permit package instantly with a single click.

"I have been designing PV systems for over ten years and I am always looking for the best way to provide a complete design that is error-free. SolarDesignTool is without a doubt the best tool I have found that performs this function," says Kimandy Lawrence, Director of Project Engineering at Florida-based solar installer Urban Solar. "Three to four hour detailed designs now take thirty minutes or less. I can truly say that SolarDesignTool is the 'Holy Grail' of PV system design."

In addition to improved speed and accuracy, automation and economies of scale allow for radical reductions in price. SolarDesignTool's permit packages are priced at just $49-85, depending on volume. Each permit package comes with unlimited free revisions and a money-back guarantee if rejected by the AHJ. Since the release of the permit package feature, thousands of permit packages have been generated and submitted to AHJs around the United States with a rejection rate of less than 0.5%.

Moving forward, SolarDesignTool plans to make the solar permitting process even more streamlined by integrating with other solar software solutions on the market. Enabling web-based permit package generation for designs created with other software will eliminate the need to enter system design information in multiple locations, saving solar installers time and money.