Solar Energy in Santa Ana, CA (2026)
2 verified solar energy rules for Santa Ana, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Panel Permits
Santa Ana requires building permits for solar panel installations per the California Solar Permitting Act (AB 2188). The city must offer a streamlined, ministerial permitting process for small residential rooftop solar systems of 10 kW or less. Permit applications for qualifying systems must be reviewed and approved within the same business day when complete.
Santa Ana Solar Panel Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsCalifornia AB 2188 (2014); Government Code Section 65850.5
(g) (1) On or before September 30, 2015, every city, county, or city and county [...] shall adopt an ordinance [...] that creates an expedited, streamlined permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems. [...] (h) For a small residential rooftop solar energy system eligible for expedited review, only one inspection shall be required, which shall be done in a timely manner...
HOA Restrictions
California's Solar Rights Act (Civil Code §714) prohibits HOAs from effectively banning solar installations. HOAs cannot impose restrictions that increase the cost of a solar system by more than $1,000 or decrease its efficiency by more than 10%. The Solar Shade Control Act also protects existing solar installations from shading by new vegetation on neighboring properties.
Santa Ana Solar Panel HOA Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code Section 714 (Solar Rights Act)
(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 secti...
Looking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Ana city rules.
Solar Energy in Orange County →