Plan to Expand Solar Panel Size Limits to Boost Clean Energy Goes to City Committee Tuesday

Pasadena officials are weighing proposals to significantly expand how large residential solar panel systems can be, according to a preliminary report set for discussion at Tuesday’s Municipal Services Committee meeting.

The city currently limits solar installations to offset only a property’s electrical needs. Pasadena Water and Power, according to the report, now recommends allowing systems up to 150% of a customer’s peak annual usage over five years.

Even larger systems would be permitted if paired with battery storage, the report states.

“This advances clean energy goals,” PWP said in the report. Solar panels can reduce peak demand when combined with energy storage systems.

The changes would require amending the Pasadena Municipal Code. The City Attorney’s Office would have 60 days to draft an ordinance if the committee approves.

Pasadena reached its solar incentive program cap in 2020. The city offers competitive rates compared to neighboring utilities like Glendale and Burbank.

Currently, customers wanting systems larger than their usage must provide load projections and sworn statements. The new rules as proposed would formalize this process.

The city also faces grid challenges as more residents install solar panels. Excess energy flowing back creates voltage issues and may require infrastructure upgrades.

The PWP report recommends developing battery storage incentives to help balance energy production with demand. Time-of-use rates could further encourage storage adoption once smart meters are fully deployed.

The permitting process has improved recently. Same-day permits are now available for many residential installations through the Express Solar system.

Building permits remain valid for two years on single-family homes and three years on larger properties, according to the report. The city simplified inspection scheduling and account verification.

For systems over 15 kilowatts, property owners no longer need to add the city to their insurance policies. Electronic signatures are now accepted for interconnection agreements.

Future considerations include evaluating the net metering program and identifying city properties suitable for solar installations. A low-interest loan program is also under development.

The Municipal Services Committee meeting begins at 4 p.m. Tuesday in City Council Chambers at City Hall. It’s open to the public.