San Francisco, CA Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit type
- Electrical permit
- Fee schedule
- Section 110A Table 1A-E
- Historic buildings
- Full permit + Planning review
- Minor alterations
- No new permit needed
Summary
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.
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 minor alterations to an existing solar energy system unless the alterations materially change the size, type, or components of the system in such a way as to require new permitting.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-96: Codes: last updated to include changes made by legislation through Ordinance 133-26, File No. 260686, approved July 23, 2026, effective August 23, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under Building Code Section 106A.1.15.2, an electrical permit is mandatory to install or alter a solar energy system, with the fee set by the Section 110A, Table 1A-E electrical fee schedule; a building, plumbing, or mechanical permit is also required if that scope of work is part of the job. Minor alterations to an existing system are exempt from a new electrical permit unless they materially change the system's size, type, or components. Systems proposed for landmark buildings or contributory resources in a historic district require a full building permit and Planning Department review under Article 10.
Violations & Fines
Installing or altering a solar energy system without the required electrical permit is unpermitted work, enforceable by the Department of Building Inspection through notices of violation, correction orders, and after-the-fact permit penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to install rooftop solar in San Francisco?
Is a permit needed for minor solar system repairs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Francisco
California rules heatmap·Compare San Francisco to another location·View the California solar energy overview
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