Chapter 9 · Installation Process
9.4 Step 3: HOA approval + city permits
- HOAs cannot reject solar on aesthetic grounds in California (California Solar Rights Act), though they may require layout changes.
- City permits typically take 2–6 weeks (California SB 379 mandates online instant permits, and most cities are now electronic).
- Utility interconnection application: about 2–4 weeks in California.
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9.3 Step 2: contract review (7 must-check items)
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9.5 Step 4: roof and electrical work
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Questions after reading this section? Send us your utility bill — we will come back within one business day with a recommendation specific to your situation.