The SolarAPP Foundation has launched remote virtual inspection software for every California city and county, officials from the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit say.

Engineered in response to AB 1738, also known as the Remote Virtual Inspection Act, the software solution has already seen pilot programs in a number of jurisdictions across the Golden State. SolarAPP Foundation representatives say the software enables seamless, safe remote inspections for solar and batteries, and will be made generally available in early 2027.

“California jurisdictions have led the country in developing solutions that deliver better constituent experiences while continuing to protect consumers and their homes,” says SolarAPP Foundation CEO Matthew McAllister. “Our mandate is to provide technology to government partners that enables them to carry out their missions effectively, to save time, and to serve their constituents well. We are grateful to our piloting jurisdictions and proud to build these solutions with them.”

The initial pilot took place across five California jurisdictions in August 2026, according to the SolarAPP Foundation team. Contractors could submit photos and videos and have inspectors review them, as well as request corrections and approve the inspections digitally.

“Pilot inspections have been completed by local government building inspectors in an average of 15 minutes,” the nonprofit says in a statement. “This solution saves jurisdiction staff time, reduces liability and safety risks associated with inspectors on roofs, and provides a better experience for residents in the community. SolarAPP Virtual Inspections will also support live synchronous video inspections.”

Continuing app development

Originally authored by California Assemblymember Juan Carrillo and subsequently signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom, AB 1738 requires jurisdictions to offer remote inspections by live video or recorded photos for a number of renewable energy systems and other applications, beginning Jan. 1, 2028.

The SolarAPP Foundation has much bigger plans than just meeting those demands, officials say.

The new Virtual Inspections software will extend a platform that California building departments already rely on, the nonprofit says. According to SolarAPP Foundation data, the SolarAPP+ automated permitting solution already serves 46% of the Golden State’s population.

Additionally, more than 360 jurisdictions across 20 states already use the software to issue permits for code-compliant solar and storage systems. The permitting platform is completely free for those jurisdictions to use, can be set up in about an hour, and SolarAPP+ has already issued more than 160,000 permits. The firm estimates this has saved building departments more than 150,000 staff hours.

SolarAPP is currently developing Virtual Inspections with the California Energy Commission, representatives say. Inspectors will retain full authority over every inspection, including the option of requiring an in-person site inspection.

Tags: California, inspection, software, SolarAPP