Fresno Solar Market Overview
Fresno, California represents one of the most favorable solar markets in the United States. Located in the Central Valley with abundant sunshine and high electricity rates, the city has emerged as a top-tier market for residential and commercial solar installations. As of 2025, Fresno ranks among the top five California cities for total residential solar installations.
Average Installation Cost
PG&E Electricity Rate
25-Year Savings
Solar Irradiance
Solar Permit Process in Fresno
The City of Fresno has streamlined its solar permitting process through the adoption of SolarAPP+, a revolutionary automated permitting platform developed by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). This system provides instant permit approval for qualifying residential solar installations.
SolarAPP+ Express Permitting
The City of Fresno's Planning and Development Department has partnered with NREL to launch SolarAPP+, enabling licensed contractors to receive same-day permit approvals for eligible rooftop solar systems on single-family homes and duplexes. This eliminates the traditional plan review process for qualifying projects.
Permitting Pathways
| SolarAPP+ Express Permit (Residential) | |
|---|---|
| Eligible Projects | Single-family homes, Duplexes |
| Approval Time | Same day / Real-time |
| Plan Review | Automated compliance check |
| Portal | solarapp.nrel.gov |
| Standard Permit (Commercial/Complex) | |
|---|---|
| Eligible Projects | Commercial, Multi-family, Complex |
| Approval Time | 5-10 business days |
| Plan Review | Manual review required |
| Portal | Accela Citizens Access (ACA) |
Step-by-Step Permit Process
Complete SolarAPP+ Application
Licensed contractors register and submit project details through the SolarAPP+ platform at solarapp.nrel.gov. The software performs automated compliance checks.
15-30 minutesUpload Confirmation to City Portal
Upon receiving SolarAPP+ confirmation, contractors upload documentation to the City's Accela Citizens Access (ACA) electronic permitting system.
Same dayPermit Issuance
The solar permit is issued in real-time once confirmation is verified. No traditional plan review waiting period required.
ImmediateInstallation & Inspection
Complete installation following approved plans. Schedule inspection through the City's Building and Safety Division. Inspections typically occur within 2 business days of request.
1-2 weeksUtility Interconnection
Submit interconnection application to PG&E. Upon approval, receive Permission to Operate (PTO) and begin generating solar energy.
2-4 weeksSolar Permit Fees & Costs
California Assembly Bill 1124 (AB 1124) establishes statewide caps on solar permit fees. The City of Fresno adheres to these state-mandated fee caps, ensuring predictable permitting costs for solar installations.
Residential Solar Permit Fees
| System Size | Maximum Permit Fee | Calculation |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 15 kW | $450 | Base fee (state cap) |
| 15.1 kW - 20 kW | $525 | $450 + ($15 × 5kW above 15kW) |
| 20.1 kW - 25 kW | $600 | $450 + ($15 × 10kW above 15kW) |
| 25.1 kW - 30 kW | $675 | $450 + ($15 × 15kW above 15kW) |
Commercial Solar Permit Fees
| System Size | Maximum Permit Fee | Calculation |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 50 kW | $1,000 | Base fee (state cap) |
| 51 kW - 250 kW | $1,000 - $2,400 | $1,000 + ($7 × kW above 50kW) |
| Above 250 kW | Varies | $2,400 + ($5 × kW above 250kW) |
Solar Installation Costs in Fresno
Installation costs in Fresno are competitive with the California average, benefiting from a mature solar market and abundant qualified contractors. As of late 2025, the average installed cost is $2.34 per watt, slightly below the state average of $2.39 per watt.
| System Size | Avg. Cost (Before Incentives) | After 30% ITC | Est. Annual Production |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 kW | $9,360 | $6,552 | 6,570 kWh |
| 5 kW | $11,710 | $8,197 | 8,213 kWh |
| 6 kW | $14,040 | $9,828 | 9,855 kWh |
| 7 kW | $16,380 | $11,466 | 11,498 kWh |
| 8 kW | $18,720 | $13,104 | 13,140 kWh |
| 10 kW | $23,400 | $16,380 | 16,425 kWh |
Cost Breakdown Components
Net Metering & Utility Interconnection
Fresno residents receive electricity service from Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E). Since April 15, 2023, new solar customers are enrolled in California's Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3.0), which significantly changed compensation for excess solar production.
Important: Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3.0)
Under NEM 3.0, solar customers receive export credits based on hourly "avoided cost" rates rather than full retail rates. Export compensation averages $0.05-0.08/kWh but can spike to $2.87/kWh during peak demand periods. Battery storage pairing is strongly recommended to maximize savings under this tariff.
PG&E Interconnection Requirements
- Complete interconnection application online
- Pay $145 interconnection fee (systems ≤1MW)
- Submit signed Solar Consumer Protection Guide
- Install bi-directional (smart) meter
- Pass final inspection with Permission to Operate (PTO)
Net Billing Key Features
- Export credits based on avoided cost calculator
- Must enroll in Time-of-Use (TOU) rate schedule
- 9-year rate lock for systems installed by 2028
- ACC Plus adder for PG&E residential: ~$0.02/kWh
- Annual true-up of excess credits
NEM 2.0 vs NEM 3.0 Comparison
| Feature | NEM 2.0 (Legacy) | NEM 3.0 / Net Billing |
|---|---|---|
| Export Compensation | Full retail rate (~$0.34/kWh) | Avoided cost rate (~$0.05-0.08/kWh avg) |
| Availability | Closed to new applicants | All new installations after 4/15/2023 |
| Battery Benefit | Optional | Strongly recommended |
| Payback Period | 4-6 years | 7-9 years (without battery) |
| Grandfathering | 20 years from interconnection | N/A |
Available Incentives & Rebates
Fresno residents can take advantage of multiple federal, state, and utility incentives to reduce the cost of solar installations. The combination of these programs can offset 30-100% of system costs for qualifying households.
Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) 30% Credit
The Residential Clean Energy Credit provides a 30% tax credit on the total cost of solar panel systems, including installation. This credit applies to systems installed through December 31, 2025. The credit can be carried forward to future tax years if it exceeds your tax liability.
Example: A $11,710 system qualifies for a $3,513 federal tax credit.
California Property Tax Exclusion 100% Excluded
Under the Active Solar Energy System Exclusion, solar installations are excluded from property tax assessments. This means your property taxes won't increase due to the added value of your solar system. Valid for systems installed through January 1, 2027.
Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) Battery Storage
California's SGIP provides rebates for battery storage systems. Incentive levels vary based on eligibility:
| Category | Rebate Amount | Typical Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| General Market (Step 6) | $200/kWh | ~15% of cost |
| Equity Budget | $850/kWh | ~85% of cost |
| Equity Resiliency | $1,000/kWh | Up to 100% of cost |
DAC-SASH Program Low-Income
The Disadvantaged Communities Single-Family Affordable Solar Homes program provides upfront cash incentives for low-income homeowners in qualifying communities. This program can cover a significant portion of installation costs for eligible households.
Solar Plan Design Requirements
Proper plan design is critical for permit approval in Fresno. The following documentation and specifications are required for solar permit applications.
Required Plan Set Components
Site Plan
Roof Plan
Electrical Single-Line Diagram
Equipment Specifications
California Fire Code Requirements
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Ridge Setback | 3 feet from ridge line |
| Eave Setback | 18 inches from roof edge |
| Pathway Width | Minimum 3 feet for firefighter access |
| Rapid Shutdown | Required per NEC 690.12 (module-level within 30 seconds) |
| DC Conductor Labeling | Red labels every 10 feet indicating presence of DC voltage |
Structural Considerations
For residential systems meeting certain criteria (roof age <20 years, standard tile/composition roofing, typical system loads), structural analysis or PE stamp may be exempted. Systems on older roofs, tile roofs, or complex structural situations may require engineering certification.
Fresno Solar Resource Assessment
Fresno enjoys exceptional solar resources, with annual average solar radiation of 6.02 kWh/m²/day - approximately 53% higher than areas with historically low solar resources and only 9% below the nation's sunniest locations.
Monthly Solar Radiation Data
| Month | GHI (kWh/m²/day) | Avg. Temp (°F) | Est. Production (7kW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3.63 | 48°F | 584 kWh |
| February | 4.76 | 54°F | 680 kWh |
| March | 5.82 | 59°F | 892 kWh |
| April | 6.85 | 65°F | 1,012 kWh |
| May | 7.45 | 73°F | 1,120 kWh |
| June | 7.15 | 81°F | 1,045 kWh |
| July | 7.42 | 87°F | 1,052 kWh |
| August | 7.50 | 85°F | 1,095 kWh |
| September | 7.32 | 79°F | 1,045 kWh |
| October | 5.45 | 69°F | 812 kWh |
| November | 4.12 | 56°F | 598 kWh |
| December | 3.76 | 48°F | 563 kWh |
Annual Solar Radiation
Peak Sun Hours
Production Ratio
Financial Analysis & ROI
Solar investments in Fresno deliver strong financial returns due to high electricity rates, excellent solar resources, and available incentives. The following analysis demonstrates typical savings and payback scenarios.
Financial Summary: 7kW System Example
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Gross System Cost | $16,380 |
| Federal ITC (30%) | -$4,914 |
| Net Cost After ITC | $11,466 |
| Year 1 Energy Production | 11,498 kWh |
| Year 1 Electricity Value (@ $0.34/kWh) | $3,909 |
| Simple Payback Period | 4.2 years |
| 20-Year Net Savings | $42,258 |
| 25-Year Lifetime Savings | $156,250 |
Fresno County Solar Development
Fresno County is emerging as a major hub for utility-scale solar development, with several landmark projects approved or under construction. This large-scale development complements the robust residential market.
Notable Utility-Scale Projects
| Project | Capacity | Storage | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darden Clean Energy Project | 1,150 MW | 4,600 MWh | Approved 2025 |
| Scarlet I Solar Energy Park | 200 MW | 160 MWh | Operational |
| Scarlet II Solar Energy Park | 200 MW | 600 MWh | Operational |
| Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan | 20,000 MW | 20,000 MW | Planning |
The Darden Clean Energy Project, approved in June 2025, represents the world's largest solar-plus-storage facility. Built on 9,500 acres of former agricultural land in western Fresno County, it will generate enough power for 850,000 homes and create over 2,000 construction jobs.
Key Contacts & Resources
City of Fresno Building & Safety
Address: 2600 Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93721
Portal: Accela Citizens Access (ACA)
PG&E Solar Customer Service
Website: pge.com/solar
Hours: M-F 7am-7pm, Sat 8am-5pm
SolarAPP+ Platform
For: Licensed contractors only
Eligibility: Single-family, duplex
SGIP Program (PG&E Territory)
Admin: PG&E
For: Battery storage rebates
