Virtual Inspection on New Construction and ADUs

Solar and battery systems installed on newly constructed homes and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are allowed on SolarAPP Virtual Inspection, even though those permits may be issued through the jurisdiction's standard plan review process.

This article explains how to run a virtual inspection for a solar battery project on new construction or an ADU.

What is supported

Virtual Inspection covers the solar and battery final only. The rest of the inspections required for a new construction or an ADU is not included.

Tips specific to new construction and ADUs

Confirm the final equipment locations match your approved plans

On new builds, the meter and main panel location is sometimes not finalized until late in construction. If the as-built location of the main panel, disconnect, or battery differs from the approved plan set, resolve the permit revision with the jurisdiction before submitting: the inspector reviews your photos against the approved plans, and a mismatch will come back as a revision.

Capture the address carefully

A new home or ADU may not have its address posted yet. Capture the best available evidence (posted numbers, curb marking, or the primary residence's address with the ADU in frame) and add a note identifying the structure. SolarAPP only supports addresses that exist in Google Maps, and the inspector may reject a submission on an address mismatch, so flag any discrepancy in your note to inspector upfront.

Include site context for the ADU

Because the ADU is a separate structure, a site walkthrough video that shows the relationship between the ADU, the primary residence, and the electrical equipment locations helps the inspector orient quickly and builds confidence in the submission.