Small scale renewable energy systems benefit our communities through increased energy reliability by generating electricity where it is used. The 1979 California Solar Rights Act and follow-up legislation has established statewide requirements for encouraging installation of solar energy systems; and for standardizing and expediting local, small, solar photo-voltaic (PV) system permitting and inspections. Since 2014, AB 2188 has required jurisdictions to adopt an expedited permitting process that “substantially conforms” with that described in the California Solar Permitting Guidebook.

The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea’s permitting and process requirements for small, solar PV systems are included below. For more information regarding submittal requirements and supplemental information, please visit our Applications & Informational Handouts section.

SOG 18-10 Submittal Requirements - Solar PV Systems of 10kW or Less in One-Two Family Dwellings
JA 11 - Inspection Guide for Small Solar PV Systems
JA 12 - Solar PV Standard Plan - Central String Inverter Systems
JA 13 - Solar PV Standard Plan - Microinverter and ACM Systems for One and Two Family Dwellings
JA 14 - Structural Criteria for Residential Flush-mounted Solar Arrays