Solar Energy in San Francisco, CA (2026)
3 verified solar energy rules for San Francisco, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Panel Permits
San Francisco requires an electrical permit before installing or altering any solar energy system, with fees set by the Building Code's Table 1A-E electrical permit schedule, plus other permits for related work.
Solar Panel Permit Requirements in SF
Some RestrictionsSan Francisco Building Code § 106A.1.15.2
An electrical permit is required to install or alter a solar energy system. See Section 110A, Table 1A-E – Electrical Permit Fee Issuance and Inspection Fee Schedule for applicable fee. The fee for a building, plumbing, mechanical, or other permit, if required, shall be the fee established in the Section 110A fee tables for that permit. EXCEPTION: An electrical permit is not required to make mi...
HOA Restrictions
California Civil Code §714 (the Solar Rights Act) prohibits HOAs and CC&Rs from effectively banning solar energy systems. Any restriction that increases cost by more than $1,000 or decreases efficiency by more than 10% is void and unenforceable in San Francisco and statewide.
San Francisco Solar Panel HOA Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code Section 714
714. (a) Any covenant, restriction, or condition contained in any deed, contract, security instrument, or other instrument affecting the transfer or sale of, or any interest in, real property, and any provision of a governing document, as defined in Section 4150 or 6552, that effectively prohibits or restricts the installation or use of a solar energy system is void and unenforceable. (b) This ...
Expedited Solar Permitting
Small residential solar systems of 4 kilowatts or less are issued over the counter in San Francisco once the application is complete, and expedited installations get just one inspection scheduled within three business days.
Expedited Solar Permitting in San Francisco
Some RestrictionsSan Francisco Building Code §§ 106A.1.15.5, 106A.1.15.6
A permit for a solar energy system that is 4 kilowatts or less is issued over the counter if the application meets all requirements and a public health or safety issue has not been identified. A larger system requires review by the Electrical Division, and a review by other Divisions may be required depending on the system. An application for installation of a solar energy system on a building ...