What it costs, what's permitted, and what to ask before you hire.
Last verified: 2026-05-31 · Well-sourced
Panel / electrical
Verify your panel capacity with an electrician
Permit likelihood
Confirm with your building department
Permit snapshot
electrical + building permit
As of 2026-05-31, residential solar PV installations in the City of San Diego require an electrical permit from the Development Services Department (DSD) under the Residential Rooftop-Mounted Solar PV Permit pathway (and a Building Permit when structural modifications or ground-mounted panels are in scope). The City of San Diego participates in SolarAPP+, the federal automated plan-review platform under California SB 379 (which requires most California cities and counties to provide automated, online, real-time permitting for residential solar and paired storage), providing same-day approval for qualifying systems (typically under 15 kW). A broader DSD instant-permit self-certification pathway covers single-family homes and duplexes up to 38.4 kW AC maximum output; systems larger than 38.4 kW route through traditional plan review. California AB 1132 caps residential solar permit fees at $450 for systems up to 15 kW (plus $15 per kW above 15 kW) through January 2034. Historical review is required when the property contains a designated historical resource or is located within an adopted historic district and a Building Permit or Combination Permit is in scope (per DSD Information Bulletin 301 and the Historical Resources Regulations). Properties in SDG&E service territory require SDG&E's separate interconnection / Net Energy Metering application in addition to the DSD permit. Verify current SolarAPP+ eligibility, historical-review triggers, and SDG&E interconnection requirements with DSD and SDG&E before relying on the instant-approval timeline.