California

Grade distribution

Overview

California has 58 counties tracked in the SitePath solar permitting index. 27 (47%) are graded A or B, meaning they present low to moderate permitting risk for utility-scale solar projects. 19 counties sit in the C range — moderate risk with meaningful process uncertainty. 12 counties are rated D or F (21%) — high to very high risk, often due to active moratoria, restrictive setback ordinances, or strong local opposition.

The most favorable jurisdictions in California include Colusa County (grade A), Glenn County (grade A), San Bernardino County (grade B). The most challenging include Contra Costa County (grade D), Napa County (grade D), Monterey County (grade F).

At the state level, California's RPS 60% by 2030 commitment creates a supportive macro environment for solar development, though county-level boards retain significant discretion over individual project approvals. No California counties currently have an active utility-scale solar moratorium.

All counties — sorted by risk score (best first)

About SitePath scoring

Every U.S. county is scored 0–100 on solar permitting risk (lower is friendlier to development). The grade is a weighted composite of compliance stringency, market saturation, regulatory trajectory, and data uncertainty. Every figure traces back to a primary government document. Read the full methodology →