How great would it be to just grab some solar panels, plug them in, and start powering your home, right? But like it or not, solar permitting is a non-negotiable part of the process – it’s required by law. Sure, it may feel like extra paperwork on top of an already busy schedule. But at the end of the day, solar permits exist to provide homeowners peace of mind: They guarantee your system is reliable, up to code, and won’t cause any issues down the road. In this article, we’ll walk you through the types of permits you need, the fees involved, and what to expect when going through the application process.
Do you need a permit to install solar panels?
Yes, in most cases, you’ll need a permit to install solar panels. To be more specific, you’ll need a permit when:
- Installing a new solar system: Whether it’s grid-tied or off-grid, local authorities want to ensure the system meets code requirements.
- Expanding your current system: If you’re adding panels or upgrading components like inverters, you’ll likely need to get approval again.
- Doing major repairs or modifications: Anything affecting the structure, electrical connections, or layout might require an updated permit.
Permits act as a seal of approval, confirming your solar system’s compliance and compatibility with local building codes and utility regulations – basically, ensuring safety for everyone.
Without proper permits, utility companies won’t let you connect to the grid, and inspections can’t move forward. In short, you’ll be stuck, unable to legally or safely activate your system.
What if I operate my panels without the permits? Well, you’ll be taking a huge safety and financial risk. Legal fines are one thing, but it could also void your home insurance if an accident occurs, leaving you with no coverage.
What types of permits do I need to install solar panels?
The information provided here is general and meant to give you an overview of what to expect. Make sure to reach out to the relevant authorities directly for the most current solar permitting requirements, timelines, and documentation needed for your specific location.
Building Permit
Building permits ensure solar panels won’t compromise your home’s structural integrity.
Think of it this way. Your roof is designed to handle a certain amount of weight. If you throw on heavy solar panels without checking, you could be risking some serious damage during, say, a storm.
That said, building permits are also required for ground-mounted solar applications, taking into consideration the stability of the ground or foundation.
To secure a building permit, you would start with your city or county building department.
Typically, you’d fill out a form and submit it in person, but some cities offer online platforms like SolarApp+, which is faster and more convenient.
You can expect them to ask these things from you:
- Permit application form (filled out completely)
- Site plan with the exact location of the solar panels
- Structural engineering report (for roof-mounted solar panels)
- Electrical drawings
- Foundation or mounting specs
- Technical data sheet for all electrical equipment
Utility Permit
Also called interconnection permit, this ensures your system can safely connect to the grid and follows electrical codes to avoid issues like overloaded circuits or fires.
To secure a utility permit, you’ll have to contact your utility company and sign an interconnection agreement.
Expect to discuss these things with your utility company:
- Your solar system, including type (roof- or ground-mounted), size, technical specifications, etc.
- Load calculations and electrical diagrams
- Net-metering rules
- Necessity for any engineering assessments before approval
You may be able to do this online if a website or app is available.
Zoning Permit
While zoning permits are often bundled with building permit applications, some cities or counties may require them separately.
These permits ensure your installation doesn’t violate local regulations, particularly those related to aesthetics, environmental concerns, and impact on the area.
For instance, certain local laws may restrict the placement of ground-mounted panels too close to property lines or prohibit them from being too visible from the street (typically in historical districts).
To get a zoning permit, contact your local zoning office or planning department.
Generally, you’ll be asked to fill out a zoning compliance form and provide a site plan that reflects the proposed panels’ location relative to your property boundaries.
Depending on your location, you may also be required to provide additional documents or approvals, such as an environmental review or a visual rendering of your property.
Fire Permit
Similar to zoning permits, some locations may require a separate fire permit in addition to your building permits. For example, the city of Phoenix mandates this step.
In most cases, you’ll be required to fill out a form from your local fire department and provide basic details such as your property’s size and the number of stories. You may also need to submit plans of your residential property.
If there are any specific requirements, the fire department will outline them for you.
HOA Approvals
Although not technically a permit, many neighborhoods with active Homeowners Associations (HOAs) have strict guidelines that apply to solar panel installations.
These rules usually focus on where panels can be placed and how they should look, ensuring consistency in the neighborhood’s appearance and safety.
You should reach out to your HOA board to get details on the specific approval requirements for your solar installation.
That said, HOAs don’t always have the final say. Many states have laws that limit their power to block solar panel installations, so it’s worth looking into it if they’re getting in your way.
Permitting Fees
Applying for solar permits involves paying fees, which can vary based on the size of your solar system and your local jurisdiction. Some areas have set limits on solar permitting fees, while others have different methods for determining them.
Generally speaking, you might expect to pay around $300 for a residential application, although costs can go as high as $1,000, depending on where you live.
How long does it take to get a solar permit approved?
Solar permit approval times can vary quite a bit. We’ve seen approvals take anywhere from about a week to as long as five months.
If your permit seems to be taking longer than a friend’s – despite you both submitting everything correctly – there’s not much to do but wait. The reality is that approval times are influenced by factors out of your control, like how busy your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) is.
If it makes it any easier, think of permit applications as a complex process where authorities thoroughly review the design, interconnection, and engineering of your solar system. Delays are often just part of the process.
Do I have to apply for these permits separately?
In many cases, you’ll need to apply separately for each of the permits required for solar installation. However, some states and cities with solar-friendly initiatives have established streamlined processes, where multiple permits can be handled in one submission.
Take SolarAPP+, for example, which is widely used in states like California and Texas. It provides a user-friendly digital process and even uses automated reviews to approve permit applications quickly.
Meanwhile, cities like Portland and Miami offer their own digital platforms – DevHub and iBuild, respectively – designed to make solar permit applications more efficient.
Contact your local authorities or check online to see if such arrangements apply where you’re residing.
What to Expect After Applying for a Solar Permit
After you’ve submitted your solar application permits, local authorities will thoroughly review them. You might be asked to clarify information, provide additional documents, and be present for possible site inspections.
Once your permits are approved, you’re cleared to begin installing your solar panels. Generally, if your system is off-grid, you can start using your panels right away after installation.
For grid-tied systems, however, you must complete the interconnection process with your utility company.
Once the necessary steps, such as inspections and metering adjustments, are completed, the utility company will issue a Permission to Operate (PTO) letter. This officially grants you the go-ahead to power up your solar system and begin generating electricity.
What should I do if my solar permit application is denied?
If your solar permit application gets denied, the first step is to figure out why. Start by reviewing the feedback from your local authority, as they’ll usually explain the reason for the rejection.
In most cases, the issue is something fixable, like missing paperwork or incomplete forms. Non-compliant system designs can also lead to denial, but it rarely happens, especially if you’re working with a reputable solar installer.
Once you understand the problem, address the specific issue and resubmit your application.
Sometimes, mistakes happen on their end. For example, if you’ve included the documents that the authority claims are missing, you can appeal the decision to have your application reviewed again.
Do I still need a permit for off-grid solar?
In some areas, you might not need a permit for off-grid solar systems. For example, Salt Lake City regulations state that off-grid systems are exempt from utility interconnection permits.
However, even if you’re exempt from utility permits, you’ll still likely need to obtain the other necessary permits, such as building or zoning permits.
To be sure, always check with your local regulations before proceeding.
Can I apply for solar permits DIY?
Yes, you can apply for solar permits DIY provided your local regulations allow it. Otherwise, you will need to have an approved solar installer do it on your behalf – which is the case for Washington City, Utah.
If your area happens to grant owner-builder permits, the matter then becomes whether or not you should apply for the permits yourself.
To help you decide, here’s a comparison of what it costs you to apply for solar permits yourself versus having a solar installer take care of it:
Do-It-Yourself (DIY)
- You’ll need to research your local AHJs or visit their websites to understand the specific requirements.
- If your plans need official engineering stamps, you’ll have to hire professionals for that.
- You’ll be responsible for filling out the application, tracking its progress, and communicating with AHJs during the review process.
- You’ll need to be physically present during site inspections.
With a Solar Installer
- The installer likely already has a relationship with your AHJ, which could help speed up the process.
- They’ll handle the technical details and explain everything in simple terms, so you don’t have to worry about confusing jargon.
- You’ll be more hands-off, as the installer will take care of all the paperwork, official stamps, communication with AHJs, site inspections, etc.
We Offer A “Hands-Off” Solar Permit Application Process
At Avail Solar, we take care of all permit applications as part of our holistic solar installation package. That means you’ll get an efficient solar system to power your home without the hassle of dealing with permits or navigating local regulations.
All you need to do is ask us any questions and sign the necessary paperwork – it’s that simple! Feel free to contact us and talk with one of our solar experts today.