Solar Energy in Glendale, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Glendale or are thinking about moving there, solar energy are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Glendale has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of solar energy, and some of them might surprise you.

Panel Permits

Solar panel installation in Glendale requires a building permit. The city adopted solar reach codes (Ord. 5999) requiring solar on new construction since January 2023. CA AB 2188 requires streamlined permitting for residential solar. GWP offers net metering.

Key details: Permit: Building permit required. New Construction: Solar required since 2023. State Law: AB 2188 streamlined permitting. Net Metering: Available through GWP.

Installation without permit: retroactive permit required plus fines $200 to $1,000. Electrical code violations: correction order. Failure to obtain utility interconnection: system must be disconnected.

HOA Restrictions

California's Solar Rights Act (Civil Code 714) prohibits HOAs from banning solar energy systems. HOAs may impose reasonable restrictions that do not significantly increase cost or decrease efficiency. Glendale's reach codes further support solar installation.

Key details: HOA Bans: Prohibited by state law. State Law: CA Civil Code 714. Restrictions: Must be reasonable. Efficiency: Cannot reduce by 10%+.

HOA fines for non-compliance with aesthetic guidelines: varies by CC&Rs. Installing without HOA approval where required: typically $50 to $200 fines until resolved. HOA illegally blocking solar: homeowner may recover legal costs.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Glendale gives residents more flexibility on hoa restrictions.

The Bottom Line

Glendale's solar energy rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Glendale is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Glendale's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.