Los Angeles Solar Installation Permit Process About to Get Easier

Here at Solar.com, we want to see solar panels on every compatible rooftop in the U.S. And while our plans for expansion are ambitious, our quest begins right here in the Los Angeles solar market. Lucky for us, recent local and state government initiatives indicate that we couldn’t have picked a better city or state in which to get started.

As a solar bid generator that works with both customers and installers, Solar.com knows that one of the most frustrating challenges to solar adoption is the hassle that comes with obtaining permits. That’s why we were so happy to read in late August a story from the LA Times reporting that a new solar permit efficiency bill was approved 22 to 1 in the state senate and 66 to 1 in the legislature. The purpose of the bill is to streamline the solar permitting process throughout the state of California, and, hopefully, cut down on the time and expense associated with this mandatory solar installation requirement. The bill also forbids homeowners associations from tacking on charges that increase the price of the solar installation by more than $1,000.

The bill, authored by Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), is called the Solar Permitting Efficiency Act (AB 2188). It will be great for the Los Angeles solar marketplace, because cities and counties throughout the state will be required to simplify the solar permitting process, and these measures could result in savings to homeowners of $1,000 or more. Assemblyman Muratsuchi’s official press release states, “AB 2188, the Solar Permitting Efficiency Act, will create more solar jobs, contribute to California’s clean energy goals, and save homeowners money on their electricity bills.”

California Governor Jerry Brown approved the bill on September 21, 2014, which means it’s time for Los Angeles homeowners to head on over to our bid generator and find out the financial benefits of going solar.

What do you think? Have you been putting off solar because the permitting process is too much of a hassle? Sound off in our comments section below. We’d love to hear your opinion on the matter.