What to Know About Building Permits and Solar Panel Installation

Before legally installing solar panels on your roof, you will likely need to obtain permits that verify your home’s structural integrity and solar compatibility. The solar approval process is an important step that ensures your roof and electrical system can safely handle a photovoltaic system. Learn more about solar panel permits to secure full compliance when installation day rolls around!

Understanding Solar Panel Permits

Solar panel permits are an important step in the installation process, serving as a green light from your local building department and utility company. 

Importance of Permits in Solar Installation 

Solar panel permits are often required by local governments and utility companies to ensure a photovoltaic array can be safely installed and connected to the utility grid. In most cases, they’re only approved after a thorough site inspection. It may seem like just another hoop to jump through, but these permits are critical safeguards for both your personal property and public safety, as interconnections with faulty systems can have detrimental effects on infrastructure and energy access.

While building permits are incredibly common during the solar approval process, your home’s structural integrity isn’t the only factor solar installation permits address. These authorizations also ensure your array meets fire and electrical code requirements, is compatible with the local grid, and is appropriate for your property’s zoning specifications and HOA bylaws. 

Common Types of Solar Permits 

Let’s take a closer look at the various types of solar panel permits required for installation. 

Building Permits

Most local governments require building permits before making any changes to your home that could affect its structural integrity. Since a solar panel array can easily add 1,000 pounds of pressure to your roof, permits are a must. These documents verify that your roof can withstand the additional load and that a photovoltaic array doesn’t threaten the safety of your family members, neighbors, or the general public. 

Zoning Permits

Zoning permits ensure that solar panels comply with local land-use laws, and may be particularly important in historic districts and neighborhoods with homeowners’ associations (HOAs). In some areas, zoning permits may only apply to ground-mounted solar arrays. 

Electrical Permits

The majority of residential solar panel systems are interconnected with the public utility grid, so arrays must meet all electrical codes to prevent dangerous accidents. While a general electrical inspection will likely take place before installation, these solar panel permits are obtained after installation and before they’re approved for use. They should cover all electrical components of your system, including inverters, batteries, wiring, and panel connections, to verify that each element is properly installed. 

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Navigating the Solar Approval Process

You shouldn’t have to forge the road to solar panel installation alone. The right installation experts can help you navigate the solar approval process, ensuring full compliance from start to finish. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind as you begin the journey to sustainability: 

Researching Local Requirements 

Your location plays a crucial role in the solar approval process, as each state, county, municipality, and utility provider can mandate its own stipulations for installing renewable energy systems and connecting them to the grid. In many cases, homes in designated historic districts must undergo additional reviews in order to make aesthetic or structural changes, which may extend the permitting process. 

Understanding local regulations before starting the installation process will help you know what to expect so you can avoid delays, fines, and other obstacles on the road to solar energy. Consider the following resources as you research the solar approval process in your area:

• Trusted solar installation company
• City planner’s office
• State energy office
• Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency® (DSIRE)

Application Process for Solar Permits 

Many states, including Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia, allow homeowners to apply for solar installation permits online. You’ll start by compiling all necessary information, including:

• System design specifications
• Electrical diagrams
• Structural analysis report
• Product specifications
• Proof of contractor license and insurance

Before installing solar panels, you will create an account with your utility provider or local building enforcement and pay an application fee. Review your application and supporting documents to ensure all information is correct, then click “Submit.” Depending on the agency and your location, the review process may take one to four weeks. 

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Not all solar panel permits are approved on the first try. Let’s explore some common roadblocks in the solar approval process and how you can avoid them. 

Reasons for Permit Delays 

Permitting delays can be frustrating, but they’re often avoidable. Applications may be rejected or delayed for many reasons, such as: 

• Incomplete applications: Failing to provide electrical diagrams, structural load reports, or product specifications may slow down the solar approval process. 
• Incorrect or outdated plan sets: Generic designs that don’t match your actual installation often lead to rejections and revision requests.
• Unlicensed or unregistered contractors: Many states require all installations to be performed by a licensed contractor. Have a qualified contractor lined up before submitting your application. 
• Zoning conflicts: Arrays that don’t comply with height limits, property setbacks, or HOA rules may be rejected. Ensure your system plans align with all zoning specifications. 
• Historic reviews: Installing solar panels in a historic district may impact the property’s historical aesthetics and conflict with established regulations. 

In most of these instances, thorough research and review before submitting your application can go a long way toward a speedy solar approval process. 

Best Practices for a Smooth Application Process 

Thorough preparation can streamline the permit application process and help ensure success on the first try. We’ve already mentioned the importance of proper research, but it’s worth reiterating. Before diving headlong into solar energy, double-check local codes and requirements to verify that no underlying issues exist. For example, if you live in a historically significant home or a house under stringent HOA restrictions, you may face an uphill battle in the solar approval process. Verify all documentation is correct and completed before submitting your application, and build the anticipated approval time into your installation plans. 

Budgeting for Solar Installation Permits

Understanding permit costs before beginning the solar approval process can help you accurately budget for your photovoltaic array. Permit fees may vary by location and the size and complexity of your project. Additionally, different fees apply for building permits, electrical permits, and zoning permits. Some places may allow you to bundle these inspections for a lower price, so be sure to ask about the most cost-effective methods available. 

Your solar specialist should offer a fee breakdown of all installation costs, including itemized permit fees, to help you better estimate your total costs. 

Compliance and Its Importance

Solar Installation permits provide assurance that your solar panel array will be structurally sound, which is particularly important in storm-prone areas like Florida. These approvals verify that your array meets fire code requirements and electrical safety standards, and confirm that installed solar panels are placed and wired safely, and won’t overload your electrical system or adversely impact the grid. 

Permits help preserve insurance and warranty coverage in the event of a claim. They also help ensure your property maintains value and transferability if you choose to sell. 

Failing to obtain the necessary solar panel permits puts you at risk of fines and removal orders, but following proper protocol will protect you from such actions. 

Navigate the Solar Approval Process with Confidence

The solar approval process may seem daunting at first, but an experienced, knowledgeable installation team can help you navigate the journey with ease. The team at Solar Energy World is here to assist you every step of the way. Get started today with a free solar estimate!