To find the surface area of a sphere, we can use the formula:
\[ \text{Surface Area} = 4\pi r^2 \]
where \( r \) is the radius of the sphere. Given that the diameter of the sphere is 30 inches, we can find the radius:
\[ r = \frac{\text{Diameter}}{2} = \frac{30}{2} = 15 \text{ inches} \]
Now, we substitute the radius into the surface area formula:
\[ \text{Surface Area} = 4\pi (15)^2 \]
Calculating \( (15)^2 \):
\[ (15)^2 = 225 \]
Now substituting back into the surface area formula:
\[ \text{Surface Area} = 4\pi (225) = 900\pi \text{ in}^2 \]
Thus, the surface area of the sphere is:
\[ \boxed{900\pi \text{ in}^2} \]