Solar Permits | Mountain View, CA

To submit a permit, select the type of solar project you are applying for:

SolarAPP+ for Single-Family Solar Installations

The City has an online permitting service for single-family solar installations through SolarAPP+. This program streamlines the permitting process by allowing online applications for solar permits with instant code compliance verification without the need for traditional building plans. Contractors registered on SolarAPP+ can submit applications for roof-mounted or building-integrated solar photovoltaic panel installations on single-family homes, with or without energy storage systems or an electrical service panel upgrade. The online program will verify compliance based on the provided information and project scope and automatically issue a permit. Adherence to code design requirements and installation practices are then verified by a City Building Inspector at a site inspection scheduled by the project contractor at least one business day after permit approval. NOTE: While the permit is issued by SolarAPP+, it is a City of Mountain View building permit.

ePermitsMV for all Other Solar Installations (Multifamily, Commercial or Other Single-Family)

For all other solar installations, including multifamily, commercial, industrial, or for any single-family solar installation not covered by SolarAPP+, contractors will continue to submit for permits through the City's ePermitsMV. This includes submitting required building plans and materials online with fee payment collected prior to permit issuance.

Permit Fees

Type of Project

City Permit Fee

SolarAPP+ fee

Convenience Fee

Total Fee

Single-family SolarAPP+ permits

Solar installation only

$327.55

$25

$10.09

$362.64

Solar installation and battery storage

$327.55

$25

$10.09

$362.64

Solar Installation and electrical panel upgrade

$332.25

$25

$10.23

$367.48

Solar installation, battery storage, and electrical panel upgrade

$332.25

$25

$10.23

$367.48

All revisions to SolarAPP+ permits (City reinspection fee)

$149

$0

$4.62

$153.62

Other single-family solar permits submitted to the City

Subject to City permit fee (as listed above) and convenience fee only.

All other Solar permits submitted to the City (Multi-family residential, commercial, etc.)

Subject to City permit fee (including convenience fee), which depends on the project's total construction valuation. The average permit fee range in the City:

Small Project (Valuation of $50,000): $1,100

Large Project (Valuation of $250,000): $2,300

Single-Family projects that qualify for SolarAPP+

The following types of single-family solar permits qualify to use SolarApp+:

new roof-mounted systems
revisions to previously-permitted solar installation by SolarApp+
integrated solar roof tile systems

The following types of permits DO NOT qualify to use SolarAPP+ at this time:

revisions to previously-permitted solar installations by the City
ground-mounted solar systems
solar systems that are not mounted, but use weight (ballast) for anchoring
solar installations on any multifamily site, commercial site, or site that is not a single-family home

Process for Single-Family Solar Permits (SolarAPP+)

Only SolarAPP+ registered contractors can submit for permits through SolarAPP+ with proof of a Mountain View business license and a valid California contractors license.

Login to SolarAPP+ and fill in the online forms with the project scope and details.
Pay the application fee in SolarAPP+, which includes the City's standard permit fee, a $25 fee to SolarAPP+, and a convenience fee.
Once approved, download the approved SolarAPP+ permit and begin installation. Contractors are required to retain a copy of the permit on-site.
One business day after obtaining your approved SolarAPP+ permit, the City will send an an email to the listed contractor containing the City of Mountain View inspection permit number (e.g. 2023-0001). This permit number will allow a contractor to schedule an inspection online. If you do not receive an email, please contact the Building Division by email at pvsubmittals@mountainview.gov or by phone at 650-903-6313.
Schedule your inspection online utilizing your Mountain View inspection permit number.

Process for All Other Solar Permits (ePermitsMV)

ePermitsMVbutton2 All other solar installations must go through the City's standard solar permit process.

Login to the ePermitsMV and create an account (or login, if you have an existing account).
Select "New Building Permit" and input your project information, contact information and details. If you need assistance with navigating the system, please see our Applicant User Guide.
Upload required materials per the Photovoltaic (PV) System Installation handout for: Single-Family Residential or Multifamily/Commercial.
Once an application is received, the application materials are reviewed by a building plan checker for code compliance. Any comments or corrections will be provided to the applicant within 3 business days for single-family residential properties and 5 business days for all other properties. Once all corrections are submitted by the applicant and verified by City staff, the permit will be prepared for issuance. Prior to permit issuance, required fee payment is collected.
Schedule your inspection online utilizing your Mountain View permit number.

For questions or resources on how to use SolarAPP+, visit their online resources.

Questions

Single-Family Solar

All Other Solar

SolarAPP+ for Single-Family Solar Installations

ePermitsMV for all Other Solar Installations (Multifamily, Commercial or Other Single-Family)