Benefits of Installing Solar Photovoltaic

The City of Redondo Beach supports the use of solar photovoltaic systems in the community. There are many benefits to installing a solar energy system on your property, including the following:

• Reduced Energy Costs 
• Environmentally Friendly Energy Source 
• Renewable Energy Source    
• Insurance against rising power prices

Solar Photovoltaic Installations 10kW or Less in One- and Two-Family Dwellings

The following information guides applicants through the permitting process for solar photovoltaic projects 10 kW in size or smaller. The information below details submittal requirements for plan review, fees, and inspections.

1. Approval Requirements

The following permits are required to install a solar PV system with a maximum power output of 10 kW or less:

A) An electrical permit is required.

2. Submittal Requirements

A) Completed permit application. This permit application form can be downloaded here.

B) Demonstrate compliance with the eligibility checklist for expedited permitting.

C) A completed Standard Electrical Plan. The standard plan may be used for proposed solar installations 10 kW in size or smaller.

Solar PV Standard Plan - Simplified Central/String Inverter Systems for One- and Two-Family Dwellings
Solar PV Standard Plan - Simplified Microinverter Systems for One- and Two- Family Dwellings

If standard electrical plans are not provided, an electrical plan that includes the following shall be submitted:

• Locations of main service or utility disconnect
• Total number of modules, number of modules per string and the total number of strings
• Make and model of inverter(s) and/or combiner box if used
• One-line diagram of system
• Specify grounding/bonding, conductor type and size, conduit type and size and number of conductors in each section of conduit
• If batteries are to be installed, include them in the diagram and show their locations and venting
• Equipment cut sheets including inverters, modules, AC and DC disconnects, combiners and wind generators
• Labeling of equipment as required by CEC, Sections 690 and 705
• Site diagram showing the arrangement of panels on the roof or ground, north arrow, lot dimensions and the distance from property lines to adjacent buildings/structures (existing and proposed)

D) A roof plan showing the roof layout, PV panels, and the following fire safety items:

• Approximate location of the roof access point
• Location of code-compliant access pathways in compliance with the Redondo Beach Municipal Code
• PV system fire classification and the locations of all required labels and markings

E) Completed expedited Structural Criteria along with required documentation. Structural Criteria can be downloaded here.

For non-qualifying systems, provide structural drawings and calculations stamped and signed by a California-licensed Civil or Structural Engineer, along with the following information:

• The type of roof covering and the number of 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 the manufacture 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.

3. Plan Review

Permit applications must be submitted on a USB to the Building Department paper plans are not accepted. Permit applications
utilizing standard plan may be approved “over the counter” at the Building Department, between 7:30 am - 11:30 am.

Permits not approved “over the counter” should be reviewed in one to three days.

4. Fees

Residential solar plan review and permit fee not to exceed: $500.00.

5. Inspections

Once all permits to construct the solar installation have been issued and the system has been installed, it must be inspected before final approval is granted for the solar system.

On-site inspections can be scheduled by contacting the Building Department by telephone at (310) 318-0607. Inspection requests received before 3:00 p.m. are typically scheduled for the next business day.

Permit holders must be prepared to show conformance with all technical requirements in the field at the time of inspection. The inspector will verify that the installation is in conformance with applicable code requirements and with the approved plans. 

The inspection checklist provides an overview of common points of inspection that the applicant should be prepared to show compliance.