San Leandro 1 of 9 Bay Cities to Streamline Solar Permit Process

In an attempt to streamline the permitting process for solar installations, nine East Bay cities have joined forces in a move expected to save contractors and homeowners money.

San Leandro, Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, Emeryville, Hayward, Oakland and Richmond are now making it easier for the installations with the process, which will reduce the need for outside engineering and save residents and building owners anywhere from $850 to $3,500 per solar installation, as reported by the San Jose Mercury News.

“The solar industry has complained about wide disparities in the permitting fees California cities charge for solar installations on homes, schools, churches and retail stores, not to mention the amount of red tape and time associated with getting a permit processed,” writes the News. This new collaborative is expected to assist other industry programs and processes in making solar more appealing. 

Under this new system, the fees charged by each municipality won’t be reduced, however, six of the nine East Bay cities reportedly will create faster permitting, while the others will have a three- to seven-day turnaround.

Current average fees for residential solar permits:

Alameda: $104
Albany: $211
Berkeley: $127
El Cerrito: $100
Emeryville: $250
Hayward: $300
Milpitas: $141
Oakland: $248
Richmond: $615
San Jose: $310
San Leandro: $170

Source: East Bay Green Corridor and Mercury News reporting