Short Answer
YesA Residential Rooftop-Mounted Solar PV Permit is required. For single-family, duplex and townhouse roofs designed to the IB 301 template, the "Photovoltaic - SB 379" permit is self-issued with no plan review if the system is 38.4 kW AC or less and needs no structural, fire or combination-permit review.
Source: City of San Diego: Residential Rooftop-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit
San Diego Solar Panel Permits at a Glance
- Permits, last 12 months
- 2,923
- Issued, last 30 days
- 59
- Median application to issue
- 0 days
- Median declared job value
- $335,979
Issuing office: City of San Diego Development Services Department. Rule last checked October 30, 2026.
Recent San Diego Solar Panel Permits
| Issued | Address | Work |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-28 | — | pv solar roof mount and battery |
| 2026-10-27 | — | pv solar roof mount and battery |
| 2026-10-27 | — | ROOF MOUNTED SOLAR PV WITH BATTERY ESS |
| 2026-10-27 | — | installation of rooftop solar |
| 2026-10-27 | — | battery |
| 2026-10-26 | — | pv solar roof mount and battery |
| 2026-10-26 | — | Installation of PV with ESS |
| 2026-10-23 | — | Roof mounted PV & Energy Storage System installation |
| 2026-10-23 | — | pv solar roof mount + ESS+ MPU |
| 2026-10-22 | — | PV SOLAR ROOF MOUNT 19 PANELS / 7.79 kW DC & 1 ESS BATTERY & (N) Subpanel 125A |
Addresses, work descriptions and contractor details as published by the city. San Diego's open-data feed does not publish the contractor for these permits. Owner names and personal phone numbers are never shown.
Permits Issued per Month
Counts are approximate: we match permit types and descriptions to solar panel work. Data from City of San Diego Development Permits (Set 2), refreshed October 30, 2026.
What San Diego's Rules Say
- Self-issued, no plan review: up to 38.4 kW AC on a single-family, duplex or townhouse roof built to the IB 301 template.
- Can include a panel upgrade up to 320 amps and storage up to 38.4 kWh (each unit 20 kWh or less).
- Structural roof changes need a Combination Building Permit instead.
- Ground mounts over 5 feet high need a Building Permit.
San Diego Solar Panel Permit Fees
We have not verified San Diego's fee for this work from an official fee schedule yet, so we don't quote one. The City of San Diego Development Services Department sets the fee when you apply.
Busiest Areas for Solar Panel Permits
| ZIP code | Permits (12 mo) |
|---|---|
| 92114 | 203 |
| 92126 | 165 |
| 92154 | 163 |
| 92117 | 140 |
| 92129 | 129 |
| 92115 | 126 |
How to Get a Solar Panel Permit in San Diego
- Confirm the rule for your exact job on the official page cited above. Size, height, structure and location (historic district, floodplain) can change the answer.
- Choose who applies. Many permits here must be pulled by a licensed contractor; ask any contractor to name the license they will use.
- Apply with the City of San Diego Development Services Department through the official department website.
- Schedule inspections as the permit requires, and keep the final approval with your house records.
Get 3 Local Quotes
Licensed San Diego pros for solar panel installation, who can pull the permit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a solar panel permit in San Diego?
Yes. A Residential Rooftop-Mounted Solar PV Permit is required. For single-family, duplex and townhouse roofs designed to the IB 301 template, the "Photovoltaic - SB 379" permit is self-issued with no plan review if the system is 38.4 kW AC or less and needs no structural, fire or combination-permit review.
How many solar panel permits does San Diego issue?
San Diego issued 2,923 permits matching solar panel work between October 30, 2025 and October 30, 2026, about 244 a month. The busiest month was Nov 2025 with 385.
How much does a solar panel permit cost in San Diego?
We have not yet verified San Diego's fee for this work from an official fee schedule, so we do not quote one. The fee is set by the City of San Diego Development Services Department when you apply.
How long does it take to get a solar panel permit in San Diego?
Based on the city's records, the median time from application to issue for these permits was 0 days over the last 12 months.
Who issues solar panel permits in San Diego?
The City of San Diego Development Services Department.
Related Permit Guides
- Do You Need a Roofing Permit in San Diego?
- Do You Need an HVAC Permit in San Diego?
- Do You Need a Fence Permit in San Diego?
- Do You Need a Solar Panel Permit in San Francisco?
- Do You Need a Solar Panel Permit in Chicago?
- Solar Panel Permits by City
- Solar Panel Permit Rules for Homeowners
More in this state: California Building Permits. Every city we cover is listed on Building Permits by City. Compare the same project in other cities from Permit Rules by Project Type. Plain-English explainers are collected in Homeowner Permit Guides.
Sources
Official sources checked on . Rules change; confirm with the department before you start work.
- City of San Diego: Residential Rooftop-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit (linked above) (sandiego.gov)
- City of San Diego IB 301: Solar Photovoltaic Systems (sandiego.gov)