Adding a Rooftop Solar Energy System

Overview

  • The City of Irvine offers two rooftop solar system options:

    • Same-Day Permits: PermitsDIRECT! powered by Symbium is a web-based platform that makes it possible to get permits for residential solar and battery storage systems the same day. Permits can be paid online and are issued automatically, without manual review or an in-person visit. To qualify for same-day permits, the application must be:

      • For a rooftop solar system no larger than 38.4 kilowatts.

      • For no more than one battery storage system.

      • Submitted by a licensed contractor.
         

  • Standard: Solar systems that are larger than 38.4 kilowatts and permit applications for more than one battery storage system do not qualify for same-day permit processing; please follow the application steps below.  

For All Other Residential Solar Applications

Be sure to include the notes from the Zoning Guidance section in your plans

Your Homeowners Association may have its own approval process. Review your HOA policies and procedures before proceeding with your plans

After you have completed and gathered all of the required documents, you will need to submit your permit application and plans electronically through the IrvineReady! Online Plan Submission Portal

What Documents Will Be Required?

1. Application Package. Includes:

  • Building Permit Application

    • Include kW (DC) system size and number of photovoltaic solar roof panels in the Project Information Description of Work field. For example: “Install 5.94 kW (DC) PV system.” And if applicable: “Includes main panel upgrade and battery backup.”

  1. Site Plan

  • Include street address, property owner’s name, and phone number, and applicant’s contact information

  1. Roof Plan

  2. Show module layout with dimensions showing distance from roof edge, hips, and/or valleys. Include percentage of PV panel to roof coverage. Note if home is equipped with fire sprinklers. Show roof access points.

  3. Single Line Electrical Diagram

  • Identify equipment make and model, conductor type and size, conduit type and size, and breaker size

  1. Electrical Load Calculations

  • Include in plans if main electrical service panel breaker is de-rated

  1. PV System Specifications

  • Manufacturer’s specification sheets for listed solar modules; inverter(s); J-boxes; combiner boxes; connector; disconnects; and, other system components making up the PV design. Include main electrical load calculations if the main distribution electrical panel OCPD was reduced.

  1. Signs and Labeling Sheet

  2. Roof Mounting Details

  • Stamped and signed by either a California licensed Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, or Architect

  1. Roof Mounting Manufacturer’s Product Specification/Installation Sheets

  2. Residential Photovoltaic General Notes

  • Click here to access Residential Photovoltaic General Notes and place at the back of plan set

Please note, depending on the specifics of your project, additional plans, details, forms, exhibits, or support documents may be requested through the plan check process.

Submittal Instructions

READY TO BEGIN? Your application must be submitted online using the IrvineReady! Online Permit Submittal Portal. We recommend keeping this webpage open in a different tab so you can refer to the information below.

IrvineReady! works best on Google Chrome, rather than Safari or Microsoft Edge.

When you click the button below to go to IrvineReady, you will first be prompted to create an account, or to log into an existing account.

Video Link: How to Create an Account in IrvineReady!

After creating an account and logging in, click the green plus button to the lower right-hand side of the window to start a new submittal.

In the “Project Type” drop-down menu, select “For Permitting--Other” as the permit type.

Video Link: Preparing Documents for Upload into IrvineReady!

PROCEED TO THE IRVINEREADY! SYSTEM

Next Steps

  • After submitting your plans, City staff will review the information for completeness within approximately two business days. If additional information is needed, you will be notified.

  • You will be emailed a link to pay required fees. Visit the Fee Schedule page for additional information and current fee rates

  • After payment is received, your project will be processed for review.

In general you should anticipate five (5) working days for the initial plan check; if corrections are required, you will be notified.