California Solar Laws

Participating in California’s clean energy future requires learning to navigate relevant solar laws ranging from federal incentives to state solar policies and local ordinances. Understanding California solar laws helps homeowners and businesses in the state claim tax credits, comply with building codes, and avoid costly delays. Comprehensive California solar laws, along with federal programs, can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and boost rooftop solar power generation in the long term. Yet, new solar policies in California, such as updated efficiency mandates and export rules, add layers of complexity. A solid grasp of these solar panel laws ensures your next installation delivers savings, reliability, and long-term value.

Federal Regulations and Policies Affecting Solar Installation in California

Federal programs lay the groundwork for solar adoption by offsetting upfront costs and setting interconnection standards that California often adopts or exceeds. Key federal regulations and policies that prospective solar installers in California must know include: 

Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

Homeowners can benefit from the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), a key solar energy policy, which allows tax deductions for solar investments and contributes significantly to California’s solar uptake. The ITC lets homeowners deduct 30% of qualified solar costs from their federal taxes. It is a cornerstone of solar energy laws nationwide and remains available through December 31, 2025.

Solar for All Community Grant Program

Funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, this grant allocates funds to expand clean energy initiatives such as community solar access. In this way, the Act can help renters and low-income Californians enjoy solar power benefits even if they cannot install panels on their roofs. The federal Solar for All grant awarded $250 million to California under the State of California Solar for All Program. This fund is administered by three partner agencies: the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the California Energy Commission (CEC), and the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency via the Employment Development Department (EDD). The implementation of the fund for solar projects ends on April 30, 2029. 

National Electrical Code (NEC) Compliance

Federal solar panel installation regulations require strict adherence to the National Electrical Code (NEC). This ensures that solar installations in California are safely connected and up to national safety standards.

Net Metering & Federal Oversight

While net metering is mostly governed at the state level, oversight by federal regulators influences how solar policy frameworks function, particularly in compensating homeowners for excess energy returned to the grid.

California Solar Regulations and Policies

In California, regulators have enacted bold mandates aligning with climate goals, tightening solar panel installation regulations, and mandating rooftop arrays on new construction. Major California solar policies include:

California Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24)

Since January 2020, Title 24 requires new homes and low-rise multifamily buildings to offset 100% of annual electricity use with photovoltaics. These solar panel installation regulations ensure rooftop systems are sized, sited, and documented for optimal performance.

Net Energy Metering (NEM) 3.0

Adopted in 2023, NEM 3.0 shifts export credits from retail rates to avoided-cost values. It redefines how solar export credits are calculated and introduces time-of-use rates and incentives for battery-backed systems by putting the focus on equity and grid resilience.

California Solar Rights Act

The California Solar Rights Act prevents Homeowner Associations (HOAs) and local authorities from unreasonably restricting solar installations. This safeguards property owners’ rights under the broader umbrella of California solar laws and California HOA solar laws. It caps unreasonable restrictions at $1,000 or 10% of system cost and encourages voluntary solar easement agreements.

Does California Have Solar Access Laws?

Yes. Solar access laws protect a homeowner’s right to unobstructed sunlight. These are different from solar easement statutes which create binding agreements guaranteeing future sun access across property lines. California enforces the Solar Shade Control Act to limit shading by trees and structures by preventing excessive shading from neighboring vegetation after a solar energy system has been installed.

Do You Need Permits for Solar Installation in California?

Yes. Permits validate compliance with structural, electrical, and safety requirements. Required permits for solar installation in California include:

  • Building permits for roof-mount or ground systems
  • Electrical permits to meet the National Electrical Code and Title 24
  • Fire-safety permits in high-risk zones
  • Utility interconnection approvals under local grid rules
  • Inspections to enforce solar panel roof regulations

Permits are coordinated through local authorities, with each California jurisdiction setting its own process and requirements.

How to Obtain Permits for Solar Installation in California

Securing the right permits under California’s solar panel installation regulations involves coordination with state and local agencies. Generally, a prospective solar power installer must:

  • Contact Local Building Department: Identify whether your project falls under city or county jurisdiction and request the solar permit checklist and fee schedule
  • Prepare Documentation: Include site plans, structural engineering calculations, single-line electrical diagrams, and equipment specifications
  • Submit Application and Pay Fees: File the complete package online or in person and remit plan-review and permit fees based on your jurisdiction’s published schedule
  • Address Plan Review Comments: Respond promptly to any corrections; some areas require third-party plan reviewers for compliance verification
  • Schedule Inspections: After installation, request structural and electrical inspections to confirm adherence to solar panel roof regulations and safety codes

Obtain Final Approval and Interconnection: Receive a Certificate of Completion, then apply to your utility for grid interconnection and enrollment in net metering