Solar Permits

The City of Berkeley encourages the installation of solar photovoltaic and energy storage systems through minimal permit fees, standardized guidelines, and easy-to-use online applications.  

If you are installing a solar photovoltaic rooftop system and an energy storage system on a single family or duplex home, you may qualify to apply for real-time permits through SolarAPP+ or streamlined permits through Permits Online. Larger projects, projects not eligible for online applications, or installers who prefer other methods may apply using the standard process at the Permit Service Center. 

Apply to SolarAPP+ for instant permit approval 

Get permits for your solar photovoltaic and/or energy storage system project in real-time by applying through SolarAPP+. Most residential solar photovoltaic and/or energy storage systems can apply through this online tool; check eligibility requirements.  

To apply: 

• Register with SolarAPP+ 
• Submit your design through SolarAPP+  
• Create a record in Berkeley’s Permits Online 

Read the SolarAPP+ Automated Solar Plan Reviews page for more detailed instructions.

SolarAPP+ can help your project by automating the plan review and permit issuance process. Contact a solar installer to ask them if they are registered and if your project is eligible for SolarAPP+. Solar installers interested in becoming registered with SolarAPP+, please visit National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) SolarAPP+ to learn more.  

Apply online for streamlined permit approval 

If your project isn’t eligible for SolarAPP+ or if you would prefer to not use that system, you may be eligible to apply through the City of Berkeley’s streamlined solar permit process. If you are installing a small solar rooftop system (10kW AC or less) on a single-family or duplex home; and you are able to mark all items “Yes” on the Eligibility Checklist, you are eligible for the streamlined solar permitting process.  

To apply, gather the required documents listed below: 

• Code Compliance Checklist for Solar Photovoltaic 
• Permit Application (Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Sign) 
• Schematic Site Plan 
• Standard Plan for Either Central/String Inverter Systems or Microinverter/AC Module Systems.
• Structural Criteria for Residential Flush Mounted Solar Arrays  

Review the Requirements for Streamlined Review document for more guidance about each of these requirements. 

Your options to submit are: 

• Electronically using Permits Online 
• Email to solar@berkeleyca.gov 
• In person by making an appointment at the Permit Service Center  

Apply using standard permit process 

If your project isn’t eligible for SolarAPP+ or the streamlined process, or if you would prefer not to use either system, you can apply using the standard permit process at the Permit Service Center. 

To apply, gather the required documents listed below: 

• Code Compliance Checklist for Solar Photovoltaic 
• Permit Application (Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Sign) 
• Cover Sheet 
• Schematic and Electrical Plans 
• Roof Plan and Cross-Section 
• Manufacturer’s Specification Sheets 

Review the Solar Photovoltaic System Submittal Requirements for more guidance about each of these requirements. Projects submitted under the standard permit process will be reviewed within one working day.  

Your options to submit are: 

• Electronically using Permits Online 
• Email to solar@berkeleyca.gov
• In person by making an appointment at the Permit Service Center