here's the contents of a press release by the City of Pasadena and some research background. write a proper news story that tells about the project in the most interesting but easy to understand manner: Jennifer Paige, Director of Planning and Community Development, and the department are pleased to announce the launch of the Pasadena Solar-App Express online portal. 

Homeowners and contractors may obtain an express permit online for Solar Photovoltaic Systems up to 38.4 kilowatts, or Solar Energy and Energy Storage Systems combined up to 38.4 kilowatts, installed on SingleFamily Dwellings and/or Accessory Dwelling Units. 

Pasadena Solar App Express is a City of Pasadena custom App developed with grant funding by the Departments of Planning & Community Development, Water & Power, Fire, and Information Technology. With an automated online permit portal, Pasadena Solar App Express meets the City Council Goal of "Increasing Conservation and Sustainability," and the requirement of California Senate Bill 379 [Weiner, 2016. Residential Solar Energy Systems: Permitting] and California Government Code Section 65850.52. 

The App is available at: https://mypermits.cityofpasadena.net/Permit/Express. City staff is available for assistance at: permit center <PRESIDIO_ANONYMIZED_EMAIL_ADDRESS> or (626) 744-4200. 

ADDITIONAL RESEARCH:
The Pasadena Solar App Express is an online portal that allows homeowners and contractors to obtain express permits for Solar Photovoltaic Systems up to 38.4 kilowatts, or Solar Energy and Energy Storage Systems combined up to 38.4 kilowatts, installed on Single-Family Dwellings and/or Accessory Dwelling Units. 

A Solar Photovoltaic System, often referred to as a PV system or solar power system, is an electric power system designed to supply usable solar power by means of photovoltaics. It consists of an arrangement of several components, including solar panels, which are the visible part of the PV system. These solar panels, or solar arrays, convert light directly into electricity. This is achieved through a process known as the photovoltaic effect, where the light from the Sun, made up of packets of energy called photons, falls onto a solar panel and creates an electric current124.
When the term "Solar Photovoltaic Systems up to 38.4 kilowatts, or Solar Energy and Energy Storage Systems combined up to 38.4 kilowatts" is used, it refers to the maximum power output that these systems can produce. The power output of a solar photovoltaic system is measured in kilowatts (kW). A system that is "up to 38.4 kilowatts" can produce a maximum of 38.4 kW of power under optimal conditions. This size of a system is typically used for residential or small commercial buildings12.
In addition to the solar panels, a complete photovoltaic system also includes other components often summarized as the balance of system (BOS). These components can include inverters, racking, wiring, combiners, disconnects, circuit breakers, and electric meters. The inverter is a crucial component as it converts the direct current (DC) electricity produced by the solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is used to power appliances in homes and businesses25.
In the context of "Solar Energy and Energy Storage Systems combined up to 38.4 kilowatts", it implies that the system not only includes solar panels for generating electricity but also includes energy storage systems. These storage systems, often in the form of batteries, store excess electricity produced by the solar panels for use when the panels are not producing electricity, such as during the night or on cloudy days12.



This initiative aligns with the City Council Goal of "Increasing Conservation and Sustainability," and meets the requirements of California Senate Bill 379 and California Government Code Section 65850.521234.
The Pasadena Solar Initiative (PSI) is a commitment to a sustainable energy future through the promotion of renewable solar power. The PSI offers Net Energy Metering (NEM) to customers who install qualifying solar PV systems on their homes or businesses. The NEM rate schedule is available on a first-come, first-served basis until the total rated generating capacity installed by customers on the NEM schedule exceeds 5% of PWP's aggregate customer peak demand1.
The Pasadena Solar App Express was developed with grant funding by the Departments of Planning & Community Development, Water & Power, Fire, and Information Technology. The grant funding was likely provided through programs like the California Automated Permit Processing Program, which offers funding to cities, counties, or cities and counties to implement an online, automated permitting platform that verifies code compliance and issues permits in real time for a solar energy system6.