Get a permit for a solar photovoltaic system

Some solar projects require an electrical permit and building permit while other projects can obtain an electrical permit using SolarAPP+, applying for an online solar permit or by submitting solar PV plans to the Department of Building Inspection (DBI).

Go to step 3A - Building Permit to apply for a building permit for your solar PV system if your project is being installed on a newly constructed building.

You will also need to obtain an electrical permit after the building permit is issued.

Go to step 3B - SolarAPP+ to get your Approval ID, Inspection Checklist, and Specification Sheet enabling the issuance of an instant, online electrical permit from DBI if your project meets all the following criteria:

1. Is proposed for an existing single or two family home (R3 occupancy), including PV systems 4kWdc and under.
2. Is the only PV and energy storage system onsite.
3. Does not include a ballasted or ground-mounted PV system.
4. Is not a new service or panel upgrade.
5. Meets all the additional technical specifications detailed here. Chinese Spanish Tagalog.
6. Complies with SFFD AB 5.12 Energy Storage Systems in R-3 Occupancies.

SolarAPP+ electrical permits are only available to California-licensed C-10 and C-46 contractors registered with DBI. Go here to register.

Go to step 3C – Solar Permit or PV Plans to apply for an electrical permit for your solar PV system if your project meets any of the following criteria:

1. Includes an energy storage system.
2. Contains a ballasted or ground-mounted PV system.
3. Contains a new service or panel upgrade.

Solar Permit and PV Plans electrical permits are only available to California-licensed C-10 and C-46 contractors registered with DBI. Go here to register.

3A. Building permit

For newly constructed buildings, the solar PV system design is to be submitted as an addendum to the associated building permit.

Building permit fees are paid when the application is filed and again when the permit is issued.

Learn more about the In-House Permit Review process for building permits

3B. SolarAPP+

If not already registered with SolarAPP+, please use this portal to sign-up for an account and apply for an instant, online electrical permit for your solar project.

Once you have obtained the SolarAPP+ Approval ID, Inspection Checklist, and Specification Sheet for your project, go to the Electrical Permitting and Inspection Scheduling page, then log in and select SolarAPP+ permits to apply using the SolarAPP+ ID and your California contractor's license.

Contractors applying online for an electrical permit through SolarAPP+ must first register with DBI. Go here to register.

SolarAPP+ electrical permit fees are paid when the permit is issued.

Once your electrical permit has been issued, proceed to step 4 on this page.

3C. Solar Permit and PV Plans

The building type determines which of two PV system permits you should apply for:

Solar permits are available for projects in single-family homes, duplexes and townhouses.

• Permit application is submitted online using a digital permit application form – Apply here.
• All supporting documentation is uploaded through a web portal.
• Comments will be emailed to you for plan revisions or additional information. Bluebeam account holders can also access and respond to comments in the program.

Solar permit fees are paid when the application is filed and again when the permit is issued.

PV Plan permits are available for projects in all other residential and commercial buildings including apartments, condominiums, retail, churches, etc…

• Prepare your PV plans using this format.
• Use our solar permit application PDF generator to complete your application form.
• Permit application is submitted through email using an online permit application pdf generator.
• Email your application and supporting documentation to DBI.pvplans@sfgov.org.
• Use the subject line “New PV Application from (Your Name or Project Name).”
• Comments will be emailed to you for plan revisions or additional information.

PV Plan permit fees are paid when the permit is issued.

Aside from the applications and format, both permits require the same documentation and the same information:

• Plan drawings for projects.
• Data sheets for projects.
• Structural review for projects.

Provide structural drawings and calculations stamped and signed by a California-licensed civil or structural engineer, along with the following information:

• Number and type roof coverings installed
• Type of roof framing, size of members, and spacing
• Weight of panels, support locations, and method of attachment
• Framing plan and details for any work necessary to strengthen the existing roof structure
• Site-specific structural calculations
• Where an approved racking system is used, provide documentation showing manufacturer of the rack system, maximum allowable weight the system can support, attachment method to the roof or ground and product evaluation information or structural design for the rack system

The City will review your submittal and provide comments via email or in a Bluebeam session. You will revise the plans and either return them via email or in the project Bluebeam session.

Solar Permit holders will also receive a permit number that can be used to track the plan review and inspection process online.

Once all the comments are addressed, the application will be approved.

Solar Permit applicants will receive an email notice with a link to pay any remaining permit fees. Once the fees are paid, you will be emailed an electrical permit and job card.

PV Plan applicants will receive an email notice and can come to the Permit Center (49 South Van Ness, 2nd Floor) to pay any remaining permit fees and collect the electrical permit and job card. Bring your PV Plans permit application number for faster processing. You must come in person – phone and electronic payments are not accepted for PV Plans permit fees.

Once you have a permit, you may install your solar panel or PV system.

Follow all notes on the cover sheet and plans. (PV Plans only)