Are you confused about getting a solar permit by yourself or with the help of professionals?
Congratulations on your decision to switch to renewable energy if you’re a homeowner and plan to install solar panels. Solar installation is one crucial yet sustainable way to generate power, however, solar installation has significant steps to follow and compliance with authorities.
Installing solar panels isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible. You need approval from your local authority and utility provider; this process takes effort and time. So, this complete blog is all about the solar permit. Whether you choose DIY or professionals, we’ve covered everything – process, importance, consequences, etc. Read on!
What is a Solar Permit?
Your AHJ and utility provider officially approves a solar permit. Getting this permit is a necessary step for solar installation. It guarantees that the installation process meets required safety standards, building codes, and electrical safety and complies with local regulations.
Do you need a permit to install solar panels? Solar installation in a home or building is considered an improvement project that should be completed with proper guidance and knowledge. It involves several safety and electrical issues that need to be addressed.
Simply put, the permit ensures that solar installation is installed correctly and is not risky to the homeowner or the community.
4 Steps to Get a Solar Permit
To obtain the solar permit before installing solar panel, here are the steps you need to follow:
Research Local permit criteria
Research local permit criteria when applying for a solar permit to avoid delays and rejections. Every state and jurisdiction has different requirements, so it’s best to research beforehand and check the requirements depending on your location. You can check your local government’s rules and regulations and visit their official website for more information.
Fill and Submit solar permit application –
Next, you’ll be required to fill up the solar permit application and submit it once you’re aware of all the requirements such as – solar panels system’s size, layout, equipment details, connections, safety, and location. You must also comply with the local building and electrical codes and fire and interconnection approval.
Note: You can easily find the solar permit application form on the utility company’s website, usually many utility companies provide it on their website.
Pay fees –
Pay the required permit fees; Though, these fees vary depending on the solar panel system’s size, complexity, and location.
Reviewing & Approval
Now here comes the final step when the local permit authorization will review your application to ensure the permit meets safety standards and all the requirements. This review process involves a site visit to inspect the proposed installation and analyze everything is good to go. Once they inspected everything they will approve your permit.
Who Approves Solar Permit Application?
If you’re installing a solar panel system and don’t know who will approve your solar permit application. So, this process may vary depending on the system’s size and location. You must connect with local AHJs, such as the building and fire departments, or sometimes to the Landmarks Preservation Commission.
Usually, commercial solar projects or big projects require a licensed professional engineer’s approval by providing a PE stamp on the solar planset. It ensures that the large project meets electrical and structural codes. This project requires more details, including – a site plan and solar system layout.
For small projects like residential solar projects, you need essential details like the system’s capacity and cost. Each state has specific requirements, so consider knowing your local AHJ or similar authorities.
Why is a Solar Permit Important
A solar permit is an essential legal requirement in most areas. It ensures the PV solar system is safe to operate and meets all the required regulations. Failure to obtain a solar permit can lead to costly fines, legal action, or even the removal of the solar panels. It’s one of the most essential things to do before installing solar panels in your home.
There are the reasons why this permit is essential:
- Safety Guidelines: Safety considerations are the most critical factor in solar installation, as it can lead to high risk if not installed correctly. The permit ensures your solar system meets all safety requirements and complies with local codes and regulations.
- Electrical Safety—The permit involves the electrical diagram, quantity of wire, current calculations, and safety devices such as fuses, disconnects, and grounding points that protect the system. Structural Integrity—Structural details include the safety of your roof or installation location and the safety of the panels attached with proper spacing and angle. This ensures that the building structure and mounting system can safely handle the load.
- Regulatory Compliance: A permit is a crucial document you require before installing solar panels. It ensures you comply with local, state, and building codes and meet safety standards and AHJ requirements.
Most solar installers consider hiring a professional design and engineering service. If you want to avoid hassle and want to keep the process seamless then get your solar permit designs done at Solaroot Engineering Service Pvt. Ltd.
Requirements of Solar Panel Permit
Building Permit – A building permit is required for structural consideration and to ensure the solar array meets local building codes and zoning regulations.
Electric Permit: An electric permit is required to ensure that electric work complies with the National Electrical Code (NEC) for solar installation.
Structural Permit: The structural permit is necessary to ensure the integrity and stability of the solar panel and its ability to endure environmental conditions.Structural Permit: The structural permit is necessary to ensure the integrity and stability of the solar panel and its ability to endure environmental conditions.
Interconnection Approval: You need international approval to connect your solar system to the grid to ensure compliance with utility requirements.
Solar Panel Permit Cost - How Much Does It Cost?
In the US or anywhere, the cost of a solar permit can vary depending on the location and size of the solar system. In large cities in the US, the price for a solar system under 10 kilowatts (for home/ residential) usually ranges from $150 to $350.
In popular cities like New York, this fee can be approximately $1,000; in Los Angeles, it’s around $160.
These numbers are just approximations. However, every city’s market prices are different.
You can check solar permit application cost on your utility company’s website, one of the example – Permit Applications & Fees | Park County, CO
Should I get professional help?
Here’s why you should get professional solar permit design and engineering services:-
- A professional designing and engineering service provider creates a well-structured PV planset with complete instructions and codes that help installers install the solar panel properly.
- If you DIY install solar panels, most manufacturers will not provide a component warranty. The solar panels should be installed correctly and safely by professionals. You will be responsible for any repairs or replacements if something goes wrong during the DIY installation.
- A professional can design a solar planset based on your needs, considering energy consumption, climate, and shading factors.
- With professionals’ help, there is a high chance of getting approval quickly. They review the solar panel permit requirements, communicate with the solar permitting authority, make the necessary adjustments if required, and provide additional guidance throughout.
For the long-term success of your solar panel, you must consider minor to major factors to avoid any risk or complication in the future. If you ask whether you should hire professionals to help you obtain the solar permit and ease the process, you must go for it!
Hiring a professional solar permit design and engineering service is more beneficial than risking future issues with incorrect installation or damaged panels.
DIY Solar Permit Considerations
If you choose to get a solar permit, you need a building permit and an interconnection permit from your utility provider. Both permits show approval for new construction and interconnection to the grid.
Too many tasks require extra time and effort, and obtaining a permit is one of the most time-consuming steps in the solar system process, as it takes days for approval. Before you begin the procedure, seek advice from experienced people or professionals to clarify your process.
These professionals can tell you the details, such as documentation for your system or any other requirements. Here are the things you need to know when getting a DIY solar permit:
STEP 1: System Design & Engineering
Firstly, you must ensure that your solar project is well-structured and designed correctly, including panels of the right size, mounting systems, inverters, and other necessary components. Your solar planset must have an electrical diagram that shows wiring and connection between components.
Also, ensure your roof can handle the additional load of solar panels. If not, you can choose a ground-mounted solar system. Once you’re ready with your plan set, it’s time to get approval by filling out the permit forms.
STEP 2: Fill Out Permit forms
You need approval from the utility provider and the building department to proceed with the next steps of solar installation.
Here’s the breakdown for both approvals in a simple way:-
When installing a solar panel system, you must get a building permit from the local authority overseeing new construction, often found at your city planning office.
When installing a solar panel system
| Interconnection Form | Building Permit: |
|---|---|
| For the interconnection you need to get approval from the utility department. To do this, you must fill out an application (usually available on the utility company's website). | You must get a building permit from the local authority to inspect new construction. You can apply for a building permit through your local AHJ. |
| The utility company will review the solar power system to ensure it is safe and complies with all electric standards. To ensure this, they ask for a proper detailed plan set of your system, including- Solar Panel placements Inverters Utility meter Electrical panels | You must ensure that your roof is suitable for handling the load of solar panels and consider other factors if it is old or damaged. Consider repairing or choosing a ground-mounted solar system instead of the roof. |
| Your plan must include details such as - types, brand, capacity, and integrity. | Next, an engineer must inspect your roof before applying for a permit. This will help you avoid delays and rejections. |
| Your solar planset must adhere to the latest National Electric Code (NEC) for safety and compliance. | Another step is to find the application form, which you can quickly get by searching on Google (Solar permit application + your location) You need to call or visit websites to download the form. |
STEP 3: Approval
After completing the form, you must wait for approval from the associated authority to start the installation process. To get this approval, you must first submit (send) your application to your local authority with jurisdiction (AHJ) and utility company. However, this process will test your patience level at a minor level, which means this is typically a time-consuming procedure, as professional firms or engineers review the document or application in depth to ensure the solar project’s safety, compliance, and integrity.
You’ll get the approval through the mail or need to visit the office to collect the approval document. Once you receive it, pay close attention to every detail mentioned in that document and proceed with the payment accordingly.
Tip: Double-check your application to avoid delays and rejection due to corrections requirements. Before sending it, cross-check all the details to see if they were mentioned.
STEP 5: Inspection
Lastly, “Inspection ” of the installed solar power system. You must contact your local AHJ office and utility company to inform them about the installation and schedule an inspection. Firstly, the building inspector will visit the site for the installation inspection and check everything—the set-up meets all the required standards for approval.
After the inspector’s approval, a utility company representative will visit the site for the inspection. They typically look for a wired connection that meets all the required standards and is safe to start your solar power system.
Solar inspection is yet another important step to ensure the safety and integrity of your solar system. Once it’s installed, a third-party inspector or local government authority will perform the final inspection. When they inspect the solar system, they’ll provide you with final approval to operate. Once you have the final approval from authorities, you can enjoy operating maximum electricity from your solar system.
Conclusion
Overall, the solar permit is one important part of solar installation. With this, you can operate solar systems for your home. However, small mistakes in solar permits can lead to delays or rejections. That’s why we have services that are known for providing service, particularly for designing PV plansets, and include all the requirements.
One of the reputable names in the solar industry is Solaroot. They provide a one-stop solution for installers, contractors, or homeowners. Before installing a solar power system, get all the necessary permits and approvals from AHJ and utility companies and generate as much electricity as possible with your solar system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans. It can take around a few days or a week to get a solar permit that depends on the factors such as size and complexity of the project.
Ans. Getting a solar permit can take a few days or a week, depending on factors such as the size and complexity of the project.
Ans. Yes, it’s possible to design your own solar system however, you need to be very careful as it requires planning, electrical and technical knowledge and research. On the other hand, the safety of the solar system should be a priority.
Ans. To plan a solar project, here is the guide -
- Site assessment
- System design and components selection
- Approvals from regulatory authorities and permit
- Solar system installation
- Final inspection.
