Why Do Solar Installers Struggle with Permitting?-Top Reasons Behind Solar Permit Delays

Delays in solar installation projects are one common thing that most installers face at least once in a lifetime. This can be frustrating for both homeowners and businesses. But have you ever thought about what could be the reasons behind these unnecessary delays? If not yet, then this guide will be helpful to you. In this blog, you will find the reasons for solar permit delays, their solutions, and top solar companies’ strategies to prevent such setbacks and keep the projects on track. So, let’s get into it. 

Common Reasons for Delay in Solar Permits

While delay in the process has always been the most tiresome and frustrating, finding the reasons for this can solve your problem. Due to delays, your other tasks can be stuck in between tasks, which could lead to a lengthy process. Here are some common reasons for solar permit delays:-

Location 

The most common reason is location, as different regions have set their own rules and requirements for solar permits. Some states or municipalities have stricter regulations, while some may have simple processes. If you’re unfamiliar with your state’s solar permit regulations, your permit application might get stuck in review, making it a long process. 

✅Solution: 

1. Research: Before submitting your solar permit application, research the specific permitting guidelines of the areas where you are supposed to install solar systems. Such as AHJs and utilities, you must get approval from them; otherwise, you won’t be legally allowed to install solar systems. Also, you must have a building permit, as it shows that your locality or premises will allow you to install solar panels and it will not harm the surrounding environment.

2. Professionals Help: To avoid solar permit delays, you can collaborate with professionals. You can contact third-party services, as there are many companies who provide consultant service of permit approval and guide you throughout the process. They’re experienced in handling local permits, and there are fewer chances of any setbacks. 
3. Communication: Have proper communication with the permitting authorities to avoid difficulties. It helps to ensure that all required documents and design specifications meet the authority’s standards, preventing rejections and costly delays later. In case your project requires any changes or corrections then keeping in touch with permitting authorities will let them know that you can make changes or adjustments accordingly. 

Permitting Method 

Some cities and states still consider and rely on paper-based applications, which usually take longer than the digital submission process. If an area allows online applications, you should opt for that because failing to use this method could add more unnecessary delays.

✅Solution: 

1. Submission method: If your city or state offers the option of online or paper-based applications, always opt for online submissions, as they tend to be faster. 
2. Documentation: Before uploading any documents, ensure they’re in order and formatted to avoid rejections. 
3. Update: After the submission, keep track of the application status by following up with the relevant office. 

Errors in Plans

Another big concern is when an error is found in the solar design. If missing details or incorrect calculations are found, the permitting office will likely reject or request revisions. This could lead to a back-and-forth process that prolongs the approval time. 

✅Solution:

1. Recheck the design: Consider double-checking the design for errors before submission. 
2. Review Checklist: You can review the checklists and use standardized templates to minimize errors.
3. These are the government links that will be helpful as a reference: 

Design Checklist: Solar Pre-Permit & On-Going Project Work 

New York State Unified Solar Permit Application 

New York Solar Guidebook For Local Governments – Solar PV Permitting and Inspecting

4. Professionals review: You can seek the support of experts to ensure compliance with the local codes. Connect with companies or organizations that provide designing and engineering services, as they generally have checklists and experience in the specific solar industry. 

Lack of expertise

If the person handling the permit application process has no prior experience, this lack of expertise could cause mistakes and delays. You may require revisions for the corrections and overlook every essential detail. This process is time-consuming, which affects your solar installation delays. 

Solar permits include building codes, load calculations, structural considerations, and other technical aspects that professionals are better able to understand. 

✅Solution:

1. Consult or Hire Professional: If you’ve no experience handling solar permit applications, hiring or consulting with professionals specializing in solar permitting is best. For example, companies that offer solar permit design and engineering services. If you’re a solar installer, these types of companies or organizations can take half of your burden, avoiding solar permit delays, and in the meantime, you can focus on your other work. 

2. Train Your Team: If you’re a solar installer with an in-house team to handle solar permit applications, you need to ensure they’re well-qualified and trained to manage the applications. 

Incorrect Attachment

The permit authority or facility requires proper documentation, such as drawings, electrical diagrams, and engineering stamps. If any of these are missing or improperly attached, your application will be rejected, put on hold, or sent back to you for revision. 

✅Solution:

1. Review the permit Checklist: To avoid solar permit delays, carefully review all the attached documents and permit checklist to ensure everything is in order, including rechecking that files meet format and size requirements. 
2. Organize your file: It will be helpful for you to review the attachments before submission if you properly organize them. 

Non-compliance with Local Code Standards

Another big reason for solar permit delays is non-compliance with local code standards. Solar installation includes several guidelines and regulations that you must follow, and your solar permit must include those such as electrical, structural, fire safety, and zoning codes. If the permit design fails to comply with these regulations, the permitting authority (AHJs—Authorities Having Jurisdiction) will deny the application and require modifications before approval. 

✅Solution:

1. Stay Updated: Firstly, stay updated with the latest local and national solar installation codes or regulations.
2. Recheck permit design: Ensure the certified engineers review and stamp your solar permit designs. (PE/EE) 
3. Pre-submission review: Once you’re ready to submit the permit application, conduct a pre-submission compliance and regulation guidelines check to identify potential issues. This can save you a lot of time later and prevent solar permit delays in your project. 

By proactively addressing these common issues, solar installers, and homeowners can reduce solar permit delays. A well-organized permit application that is in compliance with local codes and regulations and has no errors can increase your chances of fast approval. 

Top Strategies Solar Companies Use to Avoid Delays

If you’re a solar installer or homeowner, these are effective strategies most top companies execute to avoid solar delays. Let’s have a look at:

1. Planning: Top companies proactively plan everything from site surveys to specific meetings with their expert team as soon as they find any potential challenges early on. This allows for the development of solutions without impacting the project timeline. 
2. Effective Permit Process: To make the solar permit process more efficient, companies with excellent management prefer to work closely with local authorities to simplify the permit process. This ensures all the necessary documents are submitted correctly with compliance. 
3. Weather Consideration: Before starting the installation process, companies usually prepare for all weather conditions and find the best one to proceed with the solar installation. Considering weather conditions is essential to ensure the team’s safety and the installation’s stability.
4. Professional team: Reputable organizations don’t compromise on the quality of their work, so they always hire professionals or provide proper training to the team so they can easily adapt to any potential challenges and resolve them faster. From solar permit designers to technicians, every department is responsible and qualified for its tasks. 
5. Partnering with third-party services: To reduce the hustle of the permit approval process, solar installation companies consider partnering or collaborating with solar design and engineering companies. These firms generally handle all the prior steps of solar permit approval, from design to approval. 

By following these strategies, you can also reduce your chance of getting delayed on your solar permit. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, solar permit delays can be burdensome for solar installers and homeowners potentially installing solar on their residences. However, there are some ways to avoid those time-consuming delays; you can quickly proceed with the installation with the right approach—everything from understanding local regulations to submitting proper paperwork matters. We’ve covered everything you need to know to avoid the headache of the lengthy process. Moreover, if you’re planning to partner with qualified solar permit designing and engineering services or need consultation, Solaroot is here to help you. Reach out to us with no time limit!