Garden Grove, CA Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Garden Grove follows California's solar permitting streamlining requirements under AB 2188 (Government Code Section 65850.5) and SB 379. Residential rooftop solar energy systems of 10 kilowatts (kW) or less on single-family homes qualify for an expedited permitting process. The city must use a standardized checklist-based application and issue permits within a defined timeframe. Permit fees for qualifying systems are limited to the actual cost of processing and cannot exceed specified caps. Both building and electrical permits are required. Installations must comply with the California Electrical Code, California Building Code structural requirements, and fire setback standards per the California Fire Code. Rooftop systems must maintain required pathways and setbacks for firefighter access per Cal Fire and OCFA requirements. All installations must be performed by a licensed C-46 (Solar) or C-10 (Electrical) contractor. Systems larger than 10 kW or ground-mounted arrays may require additional plan review. Net energy metering (NEM) interconnection with Southern California Edison is handled separately from city permits. Under California Civil Code Section 714, HOAs cannot prohibit solar installations or impose conditions that increase costs by more than $1,000.