Solar & Storage Battery Projects

For single-family, duplex, and townhouse properties
For other properties, see Start Your Project
Updated: 04/15/2026

A building permit is required before installing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and/or energy storage batteries. For qualifying projects, it is easy to get the permit online.

Permit Process

Design Considerations

Important: Read the common Design Considerations before you create any plans or start a project. These can affect the design, location, and permitting of the project.

Get Ready to Apply

Who can apply? We recommend that the applicant be a licensed contractor. See Who Can Apply for a Building Permit for others who may apply. Whoever signs the building permit application is responsible and potentially liable for all activity under the permit. See Owner-Builders Beware!

SJPermits can help. At SJPermits.org, you can pay fees, schedule inspections, check the status of a permit, and find permit records and property information. An SJPermits account is required only if you are applying for an online permit or for projects that require Standard Plan Review.

Permit Fees

For permits issued online, SJPermits.org will present the permit fee and enable online payment. Or find fee information and payment methods at Building Fees.

How to Apply

Qualifying projects - Use SJPermits and download the permit.
Nonqualifying projects - Use the Standard Plan Review Service.

PROJECTS QUALIFYING TO USE SJPERMITS

Solar projects must meet all criteria:

Must be a rooftop installation on a single-family, duplex, or townhouse property
Total panel weight including frame is less than 5 pounds per sq. ft.
Maximum concentrated load at each point of support is less than 40 pounds
Maximum height above the roof surface is 18 inches
PV panels are not ballasted

Battery projects must meet all criteria:

Use a City-approved anchorage detail, see illustrations below, OR use a City-approved Master file from the Building Division for bracket anchorage. Provide the construction documents matching the Master file to the City Inspector at the time of inspection.
Inspection of the bracket anchorage is required, typically before the battery is installed.

SJPermits.org - For qualifying projects

Go to SJPermits.org.

Use the Application Wizard to be guided to the correct process and permit.

You may secure multiple permits, if needed, with one application.

SJPermits presents the fee and enables online payment.

After payment, you will be able to download the Permit Card.

For help, first see Help for SJPermits. If you still need assistance, use Submit a Help Ticket.

Standard Plan Review Service - For nonqualifying projects

PREPARE THE PERMIT APPLICATION PACKAGE

Who can prepare plans? While some plans may be prepared by anyone, we recommend working with professionals. Inaccurate plans will require resubmittals and more fees. Accurate plans save time and money. See Plans That Require an Architect or Engineer.

Forms may require digital signatures. See Digital Forms & Signatures for help.

REQUIRED

> Building Permit Application - See instructions.

> Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirements

> Plans - Include:

Site Plan - Show the building footprint, location of the PV panels and/or battery equipment, and locations of photovoltaic and utility interconnection point.
Building Plans - Show:
- Framing plan that shows and specifies existing and new framing/support.
- Details of anchorage, interconnection of elements, and weather proofing of roof perforations.
- Structural calculations verifying capacity of proposed systems to resist vertical and lateral loads.
- PV non-ballasted installations need to specify the method of mechanical attachment to supporting structural elements. Structural elements include, but are not limited to, roof rafters, trusses, purlins, beams, and blocking. Plywood sheathing and spaced sheathing are not considered structural members.
Electrical plans - Show:
- System configuration and location of modules, array, and equipment including location of Balance of System.
- Conduit sizes and routing; location of disconnecting means; and required overcurrent devices.
- Short circuit current and show and summarize open circuit voltage.

IF APPLICABLE per Design Considerations

> Geologic Hazard Clearance

> Grading Permit Application

> Historic Preservation Permit, Adjustment, or Amendment

> Owner-Builder Acknowledgement and Verification of Information Form
- submit if the owner is the permit applicant (not recommended)

> Single-Family House Permit Application

> Tree Removal Permit Application

> This project may be subject to a refundable Construction and Demolition Diversion Deposit (CDDD).

TO APPLY

This service uses online platforms. You will first apply at SJPermits and then upload documents through SJePlans. A City plan reviewer will review the plans and send comments to the ePlan Applicant through SJePlans. After the plans are approved and final fees are paid, then the building permit will be issued. Follow these instructions:

* Standard Plan Review Service *

We look forward to serving you.

Inspections

You will be issued a Permit Card that lists required inspections. Schedule inspections at SJPermits.org or call 408-535-3555 for assistance.

Be ready — read Inspection Success.

The Permit Card must always be on-site and available to the inspector.
Have plans and manufacturer instructions, if any, available.
Ensure there is access to all areas of the project work; provide a ladder if one is needed.

Requirements for Solar/Battery Installations

The City inspector will review the electrical plan at the project site on the day of inspection. Requirements are as follows:

The PV system is a rooftop installation on R-3 occupancies (single-family, duplex, or townhome) that are not more than three stories above grade plane and constructed in accordance with the California Residential Code.
Unless supplemented or modified in Chapters 5 through 7 of the California Electrical Code, Chapters 1 through 4 shall apply to Solar PV and Energy Storage Systems.
Installed equipment is required to be listed and labeled according to applicable UL standards. Installers must provide evidence that equipment is appropriately listed/labeled and meets the code required UL standards at the time of inspection.
The manufacturer’s installation instructions for all installed equipment shall be available at the time of inspection.
Minimum working space shall be provided at electrical equipment.
All conductor sizes must be the required minimum and may be upsized at the contractor’s discretion.
Conduit sizing is confirmed at time of inspection. Conduit fill calculations shall be provided when requested by the field inspector.
Conductor ampacity adjustments and/or correction factors for number of current-carrying conductors and ambient temperature is verified at time of inspection. Site specific calculations shall be shown on plans and be provided to the field inspector at the time of inspection.
A minimum temperature correction factor of 1.12 (temperature coefficient) shall be used to calculate the maximum photovoltaic source and output circuit voltage.
The calculated maximum voltage for the PV source and output circuit shall be less than the maximum input voltage and/or rating of the connected equipment.
The calculated photovoltaic system voltage shall not be greater than 600 volts.