Thinking about adding solar and a home battery in Lomita, but worried permits will slow you down? You’re not alone. The right steps can shave weeks off your timeline and help you get Permission to Operate sooner with Southern California Edison. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to use LA County’s EPIC-LA express path, what qualifies, which documents to prep, and how to align inspections and utility approvals for a smooth finish. Let’s dive in.
What qualifies in Lomita
Lomita routes residential applicants to LA County’s EPIC-LA portal for two express options: Express Solar Roof Mount Residential and Express Solar Roof Mount Residential with Energy Storage System. You’ll choose Lomita and the express option that fits your project during submission. These paths are intended for standard roof-mounted systems that don’t include separate service upgrades or major structural work. You can review the City’s instructions on the Planning page for the exact steps to access EPIC-LA and pick the right express option.
If your project includes a main panel upgrade, ground-mount array, carport, or structural changes, expect a full plan check. LA County also sets over-the-counter thresholds for small residential systems and lists when electrical plan check is required, which helps you predict whether you’ll stay on the express track.
Fast-track steps
1) Pre-qualify your scope
Confirm your design fits express eligibility: roof-mount retrofit, no service-panel upgrade, and standard listed equipment for both the inverter and battery. If your system size or equipment triggers additional review, budget more time. California’s automated-permit push can enable near-instant approvals for eligible residential projects, but only when your submission is complete and matches the checklist.
2) Hire the right contractor and register early
Work with a properly licensed contractor and make sure they are set up in the permitting platforms before applying. Contractors typically register their license with the permitting system so submissions can be processed without delay. A quick registration check up front prevents last-minute snags.
3) Gather documents before you click submit
Have upload-ready PDFs to avoid resubmittals. Typical items include:
- Site and roof plan with array layout, equipment locations, and setbacks
- Single-line diagram and panel schedule
- Equipment spec sheets and listings for the inverter and battery (UL 9540, UL 1973; UL 9540A test data if requested)
- Any required consumer protection or installation affidavits
4) Submit in EPIC-LA the right way
In the portal, select Lomita and choose the express option that matches your project, with or without an Energy Storage System. Be clear about your scope. If you add a panel upgrade, structural work, or re-roof in the same job, your review will likely move to full plan check.
5) File SCE interconnection at the same time
Do not wait. Submit your SCE interconnection application as soon as the permit goes in or your equipment order is final. SCE will determine metering needs, including whether a Net Generation Output Meter is required for your configuration, and schedule any meter work. Filing early helps you avoid a Permission to Operate bottleneck and aligns with SCE’s solar billing rules that shape system operation and credits.
6) Schedule fire and building inspections promptly
LA County Fire Prevention and Building & Safety will inspect PV and ESS installations, even on the expedited path. Coordinate inspection timing as your installation wraps so final sign-offs arrive without delay. Keep commissioning data and manufacturer documentation on hand for the inspectors.
7) Close out PTO and any incentives
After final inspection, send the approval documents to SCE so they can issue Permission to Operate. If you are pursuing a Self-Generation Incentive Program rebate, make sure your installer submits the reservation and claim documents on time.
Safety and code checks to prep
Authorities will check battery safety against standards such as NFPA 855 and related fire code provisions. Many jurisdictions request UL 9540 listings and may ask for UL 9540A thermal runaway test summaries for certain locations or configurations. Having complete manufacturer documentation ready reduces questions and keeps you on the express track.
Timelines you can expect
- Instant to same day: If your project is eligible for automated review and your documents are complete, approval can be near-instant. The state’s automated permitting program was designed to enable this outcome for standard residential systems.
- Over-the-counter: Small residential solar or small ESS that do not meet automated criteria can still be reviewed quickly, often within days to a few weeks depending on completeness and staffing.
- Full plan check: Projects with service upgrades, structural calculations, or non-standard equipment can take weeks to months. Utility meter changes can add time, so start interconnection early.
Quick homeowner checklist
- Before you sign:
- Confirm your project is a roof-mounted retrofit and likely eligible for Lomita’s express EPIC-LA path.
- Ask your installer whether any service upgrade or structural work is needed.
- Documents to prep:
- Site/roof plan, single-line diagram, panel schedule
- Inverter and battery spec sheets with UL listings; keep UL 9540A info available
- Submission and parallel tasks:
- Submit your permit in EPIC-LA using the express option that fits your job
- File SCE interconnection and confirm if a meter change or NGOM could be required
- If using SGIP, confirm your installer will handle reservations and claims
- During install and inspections:
- Pre-schedule LA County Fire and Building & Safety inspections when possible
- Keep commissioning and manufacturer documents on site
- After final inspection:
- Send approval documents to SCE for PTO and complete any SGIP claims
Ready to move forward?
If you want a local, streamlined plan before you invest, we’re here to help you weigh resale impact, neighborhood demand, and timing. Reach out to Rahul Bhagat for a quick consultation and a step-by-step path tailored to your home in Lomita.
FAQs
Can you get an instant permit for solar plus battery in Lomita?
- Yes, if your roof-mounted project meets Lomita’s express eligibility, your documents are complete, and the automated review accepts your submission. Complex scopes or missing documents push you out of instant review.
Do you need a separate permit for a home battery in Lomita?
- Energy storage requires its own review and inspection, which is covered when you select the combined express option for solar with an Energy Storage System. Fire department sign-off is still required.
How long until your system is turned on after installation?
- Even with a same-day permit, you still need LA County inspections and SCE’s Permission to Operate. If SCE needs to change a meter or add metering equipment, expect days to several weeks.
Will applying for SGIP rebates slow the project?
- SGIP adds reservation and claim steps with defined milestones. Many installers handle the paperwork, but you should plan ahead so incentive timelines do not hold up commissioning or PTO.
What triggers a full plan check instead of express review?
- Main service upgrades, ground-mount arrays, carports, structural changes, or non-standard equipment typically move your project to full plan check with longer timelines.
