The Automated Permit Processing for Solar (APPS) grant program is designed to provide financial assistance to local and Tribal governments in Colorado for the implementation of automated online solar permitting software, such as SolarAPP+ or Symbium. This initiative aims to streamline the permitting process for solar energy systems, thereby enhancing efficiency for solar installers and facilitating quicker access to rooftop solar benefits for residents. The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) is the administering body for this grant, which has a total funding allocation of up to $1,000,000.

The primary objectives of the APPS grant program include increasing the number of jurisdictions in Colorado that utilize automated permitting platforms, reducing barriers related to permitting and inspection for residential solar projects, and enabling jurisdictions to leverage various renewable energy incentives. Additionally, the program seeks to scale up residential solar projects to help Colorado achieve its renewable energy goal of 100 percent by 2040 and to support the state's greenhouse gas pollution reduction efforts.

Funding under the APPS program is available for a range of costs associated with adopting automated permitting software. This includes expenses for in-house staff time, training for installers or developers, IT or consultant services, maintenance or subscription costs for up to three years, and necessary hardware or equipment. The maximum funding amounts vary based on the population of the applicant's jurisdiction, with awards ranging from a minimum of $40,000 for populations under 50,000 to a maximum of $100,000 for populations of 200,000 or greater. There is also a minimum funding award of $2,500.

Eligible applicants for the APPS grant include local entities with the authority to approve building permits and inspections for solar installations. This typically encompasses local governments, such as municipalities, counties, and special districts, as well as tribal governments. The determination of applicant population will be based on data from the 2020 United States Census, with specific guidelines on how populations are calculated for the purpose of this grant.

The application process for the APPS grant is ongoing, with applications accepted on a rolling basis. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until the total funding is exhausted. There are no matching requirements for applicants, making it accessible for various local entities to apply without needing to secure additional funding.

While specific application questions are not detailed in the provided information, applicants can expect to provide information relevant to their jurisdiction's population, the intended use of the funding, and how the automated permitting software will be implemented. Evaluation criteria will likely focus on the potential impact of the proposed project on solar permitting efficiency and the overall goals of the program.

For further details and to apply, interested parties can visit the Colorado Energy Office's website. The grant program is currently active, and potential applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and prepare their applications as soon as possible to take advantage of this funding opportunity.