SolarAPP Foundation Launched Virtual Inspection Software
Contractors in California can now prepare for upcoming remote inspection mandates for home improvements.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Utilities
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Should local governments be required to offer remote virtual inspections for home improvement projects?
The SolarAPP Foundation has debuted new remote virtual inspection software designed to help California jurisdictions comply with the state's upcoming inspection mandates. The platform enables building departments to conduct reviews through digital media submissions as required by AB 1738.
Why it matters
This software offers a streamlined compliance path for contractors facing the January 2028 mandate for remote inspections. By replacing in-person visits with digital media, the tool aims to reduce administrative burdens and inspection wait times for residential project developers.
The SolarAPP+ platform currently operates across 360 jurisdictions in 20 states and has issued over 160,000 permits. The new virtual inspection tool follows a pilot program that saw inspections completed in an average of 15 minutes.
The players
SolarAPP Foundation
A non-profit organization that develops digital permitting and inspection software to standardize and accelerate clean energy and home improvement project approvals.
The details
The software functions by allowing contractors to submit photos and videos of their work directly to building inspectors. Officials then review these materials to verify code compliance, request specific corrections, or approve the project. This mechanism shifts the traditional onsite inspection process to a digital workflow, which the foundation says reduces safety risks and liability.
Timeline
August 2026: A pilot program for the virtual inspection software began.
September 28, 2026: The SolarAPP Foundation launched the virtual inspection software.
Early 2027: The virtual inspection software will be generally available.
January 1, 2028: Mandatory compliance with AB 1738 remote inspection rules begins.
Market Landscape
The introduction of this tool aligns with the regulatory framework set by AB 1738. It follows an industry trend toward digitizing building department workflows to improve efficiency ahead of state-mandated compliance deadlines.
Contractors should evaluate how this software will replace current site-visit workflows to reduce project delays. Owners should monitor local building department adoption rates to prepare for the 2028 mandatory compliance deadline.
The takeaway
Adopting digital inspection workflows early can significantly decrease permit turnaround times and overhead costs. Operators should track their local jurisdiction's integration timeline to ensure staff are trained on digital submission protocols before the January 2028 deadline.
What happens next
General availability of the virtual inspection software is slated for early 2027, followed by the enforcement of AB 1738 requirements on January 1, 2028.
Further reading
For more on industry infrastructure trends, see Utilities.
Live Poll
Should local governments be required to offer remote virtual inspections for home improvement projects?
