Automated Permit Set Generation for Solar Installations
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Solution Overview
Problem
The permitting process for residential solar energy systems is time-consuming and costly due to the need for manual research and alteration of permit sets to comply with complex and varying local, regional, and national laws and codes across different jurisdictions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a computing device with a rules engine and composing engine to automatically generate submission-ready permit sets by traversing a rules data structure and combining rule settings with project inputs, populating page templates with document objects to satisfy jurisdiction-specific requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual research and alteration of permit sets is used, then permit sets can be customized to satisfy jurisdiction-specific requirements, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses template copying where a base permit template is automatically copied and adapted for different jurisdictions. The system creates jurisdiction-specific permit sets by copying the master template and selectively applying jurisdiction-specific rules, eliminating manual research and alteration while maintaining customization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically changes parameters in the permit template based on jurisdiction-specific rules. By detecting the target jurisdiction and applying its specific requirements (such as different formatting rules, required sections, or compliance standards), the system transforms the base template into a customized permit set without manual intervention.
2Reliability
If manual alteration of permit sets is performed, then compliance with local laws and codes can be ensured, but the cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting the target jurisdiction, retrieving the appropriate jurisdiction-specific rules, and applying them to the permit template without human intervention. The automated engine handles the complex compliance checking and alteration processes that would otherwise require manual expert knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual process of researching and altering permit sets with an automated computer-based system. The manual research and modification steps are substituted by software engines that automatically navigate jurisdiction-specific requirements, apply rules, and generate compliant permit sets, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal template is used for multiple jurisdictions, then template versatility is improved, but the ability to satisfy specific jurisdictional requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the permit set into universal components and jurisdiction-specific components. The base template contains universal elements that apply across all jurisdictions, while jurisdiction-specific rules and formatting requirements are segmented as separate modules that are selectively applied only where necessary, allowing both versatility and precision to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by maintaining a consistent base template while selectively applying jurisdiction-specific modifications only to the portions of the permit set that require localization. This allows the template to maintain its universal structure and versatility while adding precise, location-specific compliance elements where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for generating permit sets. A rules engine can traverse various requirements of a rules data structure in conjunction with rule settings that define permitting rules in effect for a particular jurisdiction to determine a value for each requirement. Document objects may then be created by combining project inputs with the determined values. A composing engine can receive the document objects and populate one or more page templates with the document objects to create a permit set.