What happens if you skip the permit (and you needed one)
- Stop-work order and $500–$2,000 in fines from the City of Dixon plus a mandatory re-inspection; PG&E will NOT activate net metering on an unpermitted system.
- Home sale disclosure: Solano County assessor records unpermitted solar as a property defect; buyers can demand price reduction or walkaway, easily $10,000–$30,000 impact.
- Insurance claim denial: homeowner policies explicitly exclude coverage for unpermitted electrical work; a fire or inverter failure voids your claim.
- Lender refinance blocking: if you ever refinance or take a home equity line, lender will order title search and appraisal; unpermitted solar flags the deal and kills loan approval.
Dixon solar permits — the key details
Dixon's Building Department requires a two-permit track for all grid-tied solar systems: one building permit covering the mounting, structural loads, and roof penetrations (governed by IBC 1510 and IRC R907), and one electrical permit governing the inverter, rapid-shutdown switch, AC/DC disconnect, conduit sizing, and grounding per NEC Article 690. The building permit application must include a roof structural certification if your array exceeds 4 pounds per square foot (nearly all modern systems do). This is not optional negotiable: the city will reject the application as incomplete if you omit the structural engineer's stamp. The structural engineer verifies that the existing roof framing can support the dead load of the panels (typically 3–4 lb/sq ft) plus wind uplift forces per the IBC wind speed tables for Dixon (approximately 85–90 mph 3-second gust, depending on exact elevation and exposure). The electrical permit application requires a single-line diagram showing the string configuration, inverter model, DC/AC disconnect placement, and the rapid-shutdown switch per NEC 690.12. Rapid-shutdown is non-negotiable: California Code of Regulations Title 24 Part 6 Section 150.1(c)(13) mandates that any PV system must de-energize the DC conductors to below 30 volts within 10 seconds of a rapid-shutdown initiation. You must specify the rapid-shutdown method on your electrical plan — either a combiner-box integrated switch, a dedicated shutdown panel, or (most common for residential) a micro-inverter setup that inherently meets the standard.
The second critical gate is PG&E's Interconnection Application. Dixon does not issue an electrical permit for any grid-tied system until the utility application is filed and the city has evidence of PG&E's receipt. This is often missed: homeowners submit the city permit application first, the city approves it in 3 weeks, then the homeowner files the PG&E form, and PG&E takes another 4–8 weeks for review. The correct sequence is: (1) gather quotes and choose equipment, (2) submit PG&E Interconnection Application (79-1499 for systems up to 30 kW) to the utility with your chosen inverter model and array wattage, (3) submit city building and electrical permits with proof of PG&E filing, (4) city reviews and approves, (5) PG&E approves, (6) city schedules inspections. Many installations add 4–6 weeks because applicants reverse steps 2 and 3. PG&E typically responds within 10 business days if your system is under 30 kW and not in a protected habitat area; if PG&E's preliminary review flags grid-impact concerns, they may require an engineering study (another 4–8 weeks and $500–$2,000). Dixon lies in Solano County, which is not a coastal habitat or wildfire-threat district, so habitat review is rarely a blocker — but it's worth checking PG&E's web tool at interconnections.pge.com before you design the system.
Roof structural work in Dixon's seismic (Solano County is Zone 2a, moderate seismic) and wind environment requires attention to flashing detail. The city will have the contractor verify that all roof penetrations use UL-listed flashing rated for the roof material and the wind speed. Common rejections: contractor flashes vents with standard two-part roof boots instead of SolarSafe or equivalent solar-flashing products; city inspector flags it and work stops until corrected. Battery storage — even a 10 kWh LiFePO4 system — triggers California Fire Code Chapter 12 (ESS) and requires Fire Marshal sign-off. This is a three-ticket system in Dixon: building, electrical, and fire safety. Fire Marshal review typically adds 2–3 weeks and focuses on setbacks from property lines (generally 3 feet minimum), gas-appliance clearance (typically 10 feet), and access for emergency response. Many homeowners choose to defer battery storage to avoid this third approval layer, adding the battery later (post-permit). When that happens, a new electrical permit is required for the battery, inverter-charger, and transfer switch; budget another $300–$400 in city fees and 2–3 weeks of review.
Permit fees in Dixon are assessed as a function of the total system cost (valuation), per the Solano County-wide fee schedule that Dixon follows. A typical 6 kW residential system is valued by the city at approximately $15,000–$18,000 (based on installed cost, roughly $2.50–$3.00 per watt after labor and equipment). Building permit fee is roughly 1.5–2% of valuation, landing at $225–$360 for a 6 kW system. Electrical permit is a separate fee, typically $150–$250. Fire Marshal review (if battery is included) adds another $100–$150. PG&E's Interconnection Application is free, but if grid-impact studies are required, the applicant pays for the study (typically $500–$2,000). Total permit and review cost, net of the system itself, usually runs $500–$900 for a roof-mounted grid-tied array without storage, and $700–$1,200 if storage is included. Some installers roll these fees into their quote; others pass them directly. Request itemization: the city fees are public and non-negotiable, but ensure your contractor is not double-charging you for permit prep.
Timeline for Dixon is typically 4–6 weeks from complete application to final inspection sign-off, assuming no corrections or deficiency notices. Plan review is 2–3 weeks (longer if the city asks for roof structural details or revised rapid-shutdown diagrams). Once approved, building and electrical inspections are usually scheduled within 1–2 weeks of each other. Mounting inspection happens after the array is racked but before electrical rough-in. Electrical rough inspection verifies conduit sizing, disconnect placement, grounding, and rapid-shutdown continuity. Final inspection (city electrical + utility witness) verifies the system is operational and the net-metering interconnect is functional. Utility witness inspection is required by PG&E and typically happens on the same day as the city's final electrical inspection; PG&E does not charge for this. If you have minor deficiencies (e.g., a conduit label is missing), the city issues a "corrections list" and you have 30 days to remediate and call for re-inspection; add 1–2 weeks to the timeline. Plan for 6–8 weeks total from application to PTO (Permission to Operate) if the system is straightforward and no studies are required.
Three Dixon solar panel system scenarios
PG&E Interconnection: the gate that stops most installations
PG&E's Interconnection Application (Form 79-1499 for systems up to 30 kW, or 79-1500 for larger systems) is not a city form — it's a utility filing. However, Dixon's Building Department will not issue an electrical permit until the application is submitted and the city has proof of PG&E's receipt. This is the single biggest source of delays in residential solar installations in Solano County. The correct sequence: File PG&E first, then file the city permits WITH a copy of PG&E's acknowledgment (email receipt or stamped application page). If you reverse the order (file city first, then utility), the city approves you in 3 weeks, but the utility takes another 6–10 weeks, and your installation sits idle waiting for PG&E approval before the city will issue final inspection.
PG&E's review checklist: system size (must be ≤ 30 kW for standard residential net metering under California's net-metering rules); inverter model and rating; proposed interconnection point (usually your meter); whether your installation is in a protected habitat or restricted grid zone (Solano County has limited habitat areas, mainly around the Suisun Marsh and some creek corridors — if your property is near a marsh or major waterway, verify with PG&E's tool at interconnections.pge.com). If your system is small (under 5 kW) and not in a habitat area, PG&E typically approves within 10 business days at no cost. If your system is 5–30 kW and the utility's preliminary review shows potential grid-impact (e.g., your feeder line already has high distributed solar penetration), PG&E may require an interconnection study. This adds $500–$2,000 (paid by the applicant) and 6–8 weeks of timeline.
Myth: 'I can get net metering automatically.' Reality: Net metering is available in California to residential customers under the Net Metering 3.0 tariff, but PG&E must approve your system and file the interconnection agreement with the state's Public Utilities Commission. Without PG&E's approval, the city will not issue a final inspection, and the utility will not activate the net-metering export feature on your meter. Many homeowners complete the installation, pass city inspection, and then call PG&E to activate net metering — only to discover PG&E needs another 4 weeks for paperwork or an engineering study. File the PG&E form BEFORE or WITH your city permit application to avoid this trap.
Rapid-shutdown and NEC 690.12: what it means for your installation
California Code Title 24 Part 6 Section 150.1(c)(13) and the 2023 NEC Article 690.12 require that any grid-tied solar system must de-energize the DC circuits to below 30 volts within 10 seconds of a 'rapid-shutdown initiation.' This is a safety feature for first responders (firefighters) who need to de-energize the DC lines before entering a burning building or cutting into a roof. The city's electrical inspector will verify on the final inspection that your system has a compliant rapid-shutdown switch and that the wiring diagram shows how it works.
Three compliance methods exist: (1) a DC combiner-box integrated rapid-shutdown switch (e.g., SolarEdge's DC Combiner Safety Switch or a Fronius Wattpilot); you flip a switch and all DC strings de-energize below 30 V within 10 seconds. (2) A dedicated DC safety disconnect panel installed in the home's meter area or on the inverter's input; same result. (3) Module-level rapid-shutdown: each panel has a micro-inverter (Enphase IQ, SMA, SolarEdge, etc.) that independently de-energizes its DC output when triggered; since there's no long DC string, the cumulative DC voltage never exceeds 30 V. Method 3 (micro-inverters) is most common in residential and avoids a separate rapid-shutdown switch.
Why it matters: If your contractor proposes a string-inverter system without a dedicated rapid-shutdown switch, the city will reject the electrical permit application until the switch is specified and added to the one-line diagram. Adding a rapid-shutdown switch retroactively is expensive and labor-intensive (runs new conduit, adds a manual switch or wireless kill-switch to the roof edge or meter area, tests the de-energization time). Budget $1,000–$3,000 to retrofit if you discover this requirement after the fact. Specify rapid-shutdown compliance in your initial quote and confirm with the contractor which method they're using before submitting the permit application.
Dixon City Hall, 600 E. A Street, Dixon, CA 95620
Phone: (707) 678-7000 (main line; ask for Building Department) | https://www.ci.dixon.ca.us/ (building department page; confirm portal URL with city)
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (confirm locally before visiting)
Common questions
Do I need a permit if I'm installing a very small solar kit (under 2 kW)?
Yes. California and Dixon require permits for ALL grid-tied solar systems regardless of size, even a 1 kW DIY kit. The only exemption is for true off-grid systems (not connected to the electrical grid), but those are rare and trigger different rules. If you're grid-tied — even a small roof-mounted kit — you need a building permit, electrical permit, and PG&E interconnection approval. The city does not have a 'small system exemption.' Some solar companies advertise 'permit-free' systems; these are misleading and create liability for you.
Can I do the installation myself (owner-builder)?
No, not entirely. California Business & Professions Code § 7044 allows owner-builders to do some work on their own property, but electrical work is strictly regulated: only a California-licensed electrical contractor can perform final electrical connections, grounding, and rapid-shutdown wiring for a solar system. You can perform non-electrical work (roof preparation, mounting installation) if you have a Building Permit and the city approves you as the contractor-of-record, but you must hire a licensed electrician for the DC and AC sides. The electrical contractor will pull the electrical permit and sign the work. Cost for the electrical portion is typically $2,000–$4,000 in labor; you cannot avoid this by doing it yourself.
How long does PG&E's interconnection approval take in Dixon?
For a straightforward residential system under 10 kW with no grid-impact concerns, PG&E typically responds within 10 business days. Your feeder line is not in a particularly constrained area (Solano County does not have widespread solar saturation in most residential zones), so grid-impact studies are rare. However, if your system is 10–30 kW or if the utility's preliminary review flags your feeder as already having moderate solar penetration, PG&E may require a study, which adds 6–8 weeks and $500–$2,000. Always file the PG&E form early and ask explicitly if a study will be required; don't wait until after the city approves you.
What if my roof needs replacement before I install solar?
Plan the roof replacement first, then design and permit the solar. If you install solar on an older roof, the city's structural engineer will still require a certification that the roof can handle the load. Reroofing after solar is installed is expensive because the panels must be removed and reinstalled (add $3,000–$5,000). If your roof is 15+ years old, get a roof inspection ($300–$500) before permitting solar; factor a roof replacement ($8,000–$15,000) into your budget if needed. Some installers include a roof guarantee (e.g., 10 years of roof leak coverage) but will not do so on roofs older than 10 years. Coordinate roof work and solar timing upfront.
Do I need a separate permit for a battery storage system?
Yes. Battery storage (even a small 10 kWh LiFePO4 unit) requires a new electrical permit and a Fire Marshal review under California Fire Code Chapter 12. Budget an additional $300–$500 in permit fees and 2–3 weeks for Fire Marshal approval on top of your solar electrical permit timeline. Some homeowners install solar first (permitted), then add battery storage a year later (new permit). This is common and avoids the complexity of a three-ticket system upfront. If you plan to add battery later, tell your solar contractor so they size the inverter and main panel to support the battery (usually not an issue, but worth confirming).
What happens at the final inspection?
Dixon's city electrical inspector and a PG&E representative typically attend the same inspection (or separately, 1–2 days apart). The city verifies: (1) all equipment (inverter, disconnects, rapid-shutdown switch, grounding, conduit) matches the permitted plan; (2) rapid-shutdown is functional and tested; (3) conduit fill and labeling comply with NEC. PG&E verifies: (1) your system meets their interconnection agreement; (2) the net-metering export connection is correct; (3) your meter is ready for bi-directional power flow. If all passes, the city issues a Certificate of Occupancy for the solar system, and PG&E activates net metering on your account (usually within 5 business days). If there are minor deficiencies, you get a corrections list and 30 days to fix; re-inspection is scheduled within 1–2 weeks.
What is the difference between a building permit and an electrical permit?
Building permit covers the mounting structure, roof penetrations, and structural integrity (IBC 1510 / IRC R907). Electrical permit covers the inverter, DC/AC disconnects, rapid-shutdown, conduit, grounding, and overall electrical safety (NEC Article 690). Both are required; they are separate applications and separate inspections. Building inspector checks the roof and mounting; electrical inspector checks the wiring and equipment. Both must approve before final sign-off. Cost is separate: ~$250–$350 building, ~$200–$300 electrical. Many homeowners file them together on the same day; they are reviewed sequentially, not in parallel.
Will my homeowner's insurance rate go up after I install solar?
No, permitted solar typically does not increase insurance premiums; some insurers offer a small discount (2–5%) for solar because it reduces energy usage. Unpermitted solar, however, can cause claim denial if there's a fire or electrical incident, and it can inflate your home's taxable value (though Proposition 13 usually prevents a tax reassessment for solar). Keep your permits and final inspection documents in a file with your insurance agent; notify them after the system is operational so they can update your home's replacement cost value if they choose to.
Can I start the installation before the city approves my electrical permit?
No. The building permit allows you to start the mounting/structural work (racking, roof penetrations, footings). The electrical permit must be approved BEFORE any electrical rough-in (conduit, disconnects, wiring). If the city's inspector shows up and finds electrical work begun without an approved electrical permit, they will issue a stop-work order and fine you. The sequence: building permit approved → mounting work → electrical permit approved → electrical rough-in → electrical rough inspection → final wiring → final inspection. Most installers do the mounting in one or two days, then wait for electrical permit approval before scheduling the electrical crew. This adds 1–2 weeks to the total timeline.
What's the total cost for permits and inspections in Dixon?
Permits and city fees total approximately $500–$900 for a roof-mounted grid-tied solar system without battery: building permit ($250–$350), electrical permit ($180–$250), structural engineer letter (if not included with the installer; $400–$600), and miscellaneous (flashing, conduit, labels; $200–$400). PG&E interconnection application is free. Fire Marshal review for battery storage adds another $100–$200 and 2–3 weeks. These are city and professional fees only — they do not include the solar equipment, inverter, racking, or installation labor, which typically run $12,000–$18,000 for a 6 kW system. Request an itemized quote from your installer so you understand what you're paying for (solar cost) versus what the city charges (permit cost).