San Bernardino Solar Energy: Panel Permits Rules (2026)

Residential solar panel permits in San Bernardino are processed under California's streamlined solar permitting framework. Government Code 65850.5 requires cities to adopt an expedited permitting ordinance for small residential solar energy systems of 10 kW AC or less. San Bernardino uses the state's SolarAPP+ automated permitting tool to issue same-day or next-business-day permits for qualifying roof-mounted photovoltaic systems. Plan review verifies structural capacity, electrical one-line diagram, rapid-shutdown compliance under California Electrical Code 690.12, and setbacks from roof edges and obstructions for firefighter access under California Fire Code Section 1205. Building and Safety inspects the final installation. The California Title 24 Part 6 Solar Mandate requires new single-family homes and low-rise multi-family buildings to include a solar PV system sized to the calculated annual electrical load, and commercial buildings are subject to the 2023 update requiring solar plus battery storage. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) must meet California Electrical Code 706 and 480 requirements including setback and smoke alarm rules under CFC 1207. Southern California Edison interconnection through net energy metering 3.0 (NEM 3.0) determines export credit rates. Homeowners installing systems themselves may pull an owner-builder permit, though most use contractors licensed by the Contractors State License Board (C-46 solar or C-10 electrical). HOAs cannot unreasonably delay or prohibit solar under Civil Code 714.