Automated Permit Processing for Solar

The Automated Permit Processing for Solar (APPS) Grant is administered by the Colorado Energy Office, a state-level agency focused on advancing Colorado’s clean energy future through programs and initiatives that support sustainability and energy efficiency. This grant program is part of the office’s broader efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the adoption of clean energy technologies at the local level. The APPS Grant program provides financial support to local and Tribal governments to assist with the adoption of automated online solar permitting systems, such as SolarAPP+ and Symbium. These platforms streamline the permitting process by automatically verifying solar system code compliance and issuing permits, significantly reducing administrative workloads and accelerating solar adoption for homeowners and installers across Colorado. The ultimate objective of this program is to reduce permitting bottlenecks, improve turnaround times, and encourage more widespread deployment of rooftop solar energy systems. The scope of the APPS Grant includes a range of eligible expenses related to implementing automated permitting platforms. These costs may encompass staff time for software implementation or training, training for installers and developers, IT or consultant expenses, subscription or maintenance fees for up to three years, and necessary hardware or equipment. By funding these expenses, the grant empowers municipalities and tribal governments to build internal capacity and deploy efficient digital permitting systems. Eligible applicants include local and Tribal entities within Colorado that have the authority to approve building permits and/or conduct inspections for solar installations. These entities typically consist of statutory or home rule municipalities, counties, cities and counties, special districts, and Tribal governments. There is no matching requirement for this grant, which lowers the barrier to entry for smaller or under-resourced local governments. The application process for the APPS Grant is currently open and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible, as funding will be distributed until it is exhausted. While the grant guidance and application documents are available online, the exact deadline is not specified, reinforcing the urgency to apply promptly. Informational webinars and recorded resources are available to aid applicants in understanding program goals and application expectations. For additional information or assistance with the grant application process, prospective applicants can contact the Colorado Energy Office by emailing gov_ceo_apps@state.co.us. Those interested in updates or future opportunities related to solar permitting and energy programs are encouraged to sign up for regular notifications from the Colorado Energy Office. The APPS Grant represents a significant step toward modernizing permitting workflows and enabling faster solar adoption across the state.