Consider Solar

The City of Palo Alto requires all customers installing solar PV systems within City limits to apply for a PV Permit and receive Final Interconnection Approval (also known as “Permission to Operate”).

The City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) is the municipal utility that oversees Net Energy Metering billing and Interconnection agreements, while the City of Palo Alto Building Department processes PV permits and issues final PV system approvals.

City of Palo Alto Utilities Programs & Services

Contact for: Inquiries relating to Net Energy Metering billing and agreements
Phone: (650) 329-2241
Email: PVPartners@cityofpaloalto.org

City of Palo Alto Building Department

Contact for: PV Permitting, Interconnection Approval
Phone: (650) 329-2496
Email: buildingpermits@cityofpaloalto.org

Learn More about PV Permitting

A standard grid-tied rooftop solar system will not provide electric power to your home in the case of a power outage. All grid-tied solar systems are required to disconnect from the grid during a power outage. This is so the “mini power plant” on your roof doesn't feed electricity back into the grid during an outage, which would endanger utility workers who are repairing the utility wires.

Rooftop solar with a battery can provide back-up power during an outage if the battery is wired properly. A battery storage system can allow you to capture unused power from your solar system and draw on that power during an outage event. Any solar and/or backup power systems must have a manual disconnect switch so that utility workers can disconnect the home from the grid in order to repair utility lines safely. Customers planning on installing a backup power system can learn more about Palo Alto battery storage permitting and inspection requirements by reviewing the Energy Storage System Permitting Checklist. If you want to set up your battery storage system to function during an outage, be sure that your installer follows the appropriate requirements laid out in the permitting checklist.

Once your solar system is installed and you have permission to operate, you  will be served as a CPAU NEM 2 customer. You will see a line item labeled "EEC-1 Solar Export Credit" in the “ELECTRIC” section of your utility bill on page 2. The dollar value displayed in that line item is negative because it is a credit that CPAU subtracts from the total of your electric charges. 

Free Energy Advice - When sizing your system, it's important to think about how your electricity needs may change over time. CPAU's Energy Advisors can offer free phone-based advice on topics that impact your electricity needs, like home efficiency and electrification upgrades such as EV charging stations and new technologies for space and water heating with high-efficiency electric appliances. Call the Energy Advisors at (650) 713-3411.

Federal Tax Credits - Take advantage of the 30% Federal Renewable Energy Tax Credit for solar and battery storage systems installed by December 31, 2032. The tax credit drops to 26% for systems installed by December 31, 2033, and to 22% for systems installed by December 31, 2034. The tax credit expires for systems installed after December 31, 2034.

Find Ways to Save Energy and Water – CPAU energy and water programs and rebates can help you save money and increase the comfort of your home. Learn more at cityopaloalto.org/waystosave

Heat Pump Water Heater – Pairing an electric heat pump water heater (HPWH) with solar could reduce the cost to run the HPWH compared to running it without solar. Switch to a heat pump water heater through the City's full service program. Let us handle it all - permits, installation, and rebates with limited time savings right now. Switch Now