Critics say San Diego may have dimmed the enthusiasm for solar power by increasing fees 600 percent.
The city last month raised solar system inspection and plan approval fees to $565 from $93. Officials say that reflects the city's true costs. But solar advocates fear the higher fees will reduce demand for the green technology.
A report last year by the group Environment California found San Diego had more than 2,200 rooftop solar systems - more than any other city in California.
The change makes San Diego the second most-expensive place in San Diego County to obtain a solar power permit, behind National City.
People living in unincorporated county areas pay nothing because the county waives permit fees to encourage solar power.
