How To Get a Solar Permit: Solar Panel Permit Requirements
- Sarah Lozanova
- Sep 30
- 7 min read
Updated: Oct 27
Table of Contents
Before installing solar panels, contractors must secure a solar permit from the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Because solar panel permit requirements and building codes vary widely across states and municipalities, understanding local solar permitting rules is essential. Zoning laws, fire codes, and utility requirements can all influence whether a project is approved on the first submission.
In many areas, the solar panel permit cost can also affect project budgets and timelines. While some jurisdictions have adopted platforms like SolarAPP+ to streamline solar permitting, others still rely on manual reviews that can take weeks. Navigating these differences correctly can make the difference between a smooth installation and costly delays.
GreenLancer has supported thousands of contractors with solar permitting services since 2013, giving us direct experience with how AHJs review solar permit packages in all 50 states. Drawing on that knowledge, we’ve seen how accurate submittals reduce soft costs, avoid resubmittals, and keep projects moving toward installation.
What Is a Solar Permit & Why It Matters
A solar permit is the formal approval required from your local AHJ before a solar installation can move forward. It typically covers both electrical and structural safety, ensuring the system complies with building and fire codes. Installers usually submit a full solar permit package, which includes site plans, wiring diagrams, and equipment details.
You’ll need a solar panel permit for most projects, whether it’s a rooftop residential array, a ground-mount system, a carport installation, or when adding batteries and backup generators. Even electrical service upgrades tied to solar require permitting.
Once approved, the permit allows the installation to begin. After the system is built, the AHJ will return for inspection to confirm compliance. Passing this inspection is the final step before energizing the system and moving toward interconnection.
Solar Panel Permit Requirements: What Most AHJs Require
Every Authority Having Jurisdiction has its own checklist, but most solar panel permit requirements follow a similar pattern. Having a complete solar permit package ready helps reduce review time and avoid costly resubmissions.
Core Documents
Most permit reviewers expect to see:
Site plan & roof layout showing setbacks, fire pathways, and equipment placement
Electrical one-line and three-line diagrams that detail the PV system wiring
Module, inverter, and racking spec sheets with engineering and attachment details
Structural load calculations covering dead/live loads, wind, snow, uplift, and pull-out forces
Rapid shutdown and labeling plan to meet NEC requirements
Battery integration details (if applicable), including UL listings, clearances, and disconnects
Variants by Project Type
Permit requirements can shift depending on the system:
Residential vs commercial projects may have different plan reviewers, thresholds for PE stamps, and fire department access standards
Ground-mounted systems often need foundation details, geotechnical reports, fencing, and additional NEC 690/705 compliance notes
Common Local Add-Ons
Some jurisdictions ask for extra documentation, including:
Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) materials for fire resistance
Historic district design reviews if the project is in a protected area
Coastal wind zone calculations where high-speed wind events are common
With over a decade of experience, GreenLancer helps streamline the solar permitting process so you can scale your operations without unnecessary delays or compliance risks. Whether you're tackling a single rooftop or a portfolio of projects, our team ensures your solar permits are accurate, code-compliant, and submitted on time.
Create a GreenLancer account to start shopping for affordable, scalable solar permit solutions today.
How to Submit a Solar Panel Permit Application
The solar permitting process usually follows a series of steps. While requirements vary by jurisdiction, these are the most common steps for submitting a solar panel permit application.
🟩 Step 1: Complete the Solar Permit Application Form
Start by filling out the official solar permit application. This form provides your municipality with project details such as system size, location, and installer information.
🟩 Step 2: Prepare Site Plan and Solar Panel Layout
Include a detailed site plan showing the solar panel layout on the property. This should illustrate roof placement, orientation, and setbacks in compliance with local codes.
🟩 Step 3: Submit Structural and Electrical Drawings
Provide drawings stamped by an engineer when required. These drawings verify that the roof can handle the added load and that electrical wiring meets code.
🟩 Step 4: Add Engineering Calculations and Roof Load Specs
Engineering calculations demonstrate compliance with structural and electrical safety standards. Roof load specifications confirm the roof’s ability to support the solar panel system.
🟩 Step 5: Provide Equipment Specification Sheets
Attach specification sheets for solar panels, inverters, and other system components. This ensures the equipment is UL-listed and code-compliant.
🟩 Step 6: Include Electrical Wiring Diagrams
Wiring diagrams show how the PV system connects to the inverter and the home’s electrical system. These are essential for inspector review.
🟩 Step 7: Submit Contractor License and Insurance Information
Most municipalities require proof of contractor licensing and insurance before approving solar permit services.
🟩 Step 8: Pay the Solar Permit Fee
Each jurisdiction sets its own fee schedule. Pay the required solar panel permit fee to complete the application process.
Timelines, Costs & What Delays Solar Permit Approvals
Getting a solar panel permit approved isn’t always quick. Actual timelines and costs depend on the jurisdiction, but SolarTRACE and NREL data show wide variation across the U.S. Being prepared with a complete solar permitting package is the best way to prevent delays.
Typical Timelines
Same-day approvals: Some AHJs using SolarAPP+ or streamlined programs
3–7 business days: Standard residential reviews in most metro areas
2–3 weeks: Larger commercial systems or jurisdictions requiring PE stamps and fire reviews
Typical Costs
Flat permit fees – Common for residential rooftop systems
Valuation-based fees – Tied to system cost or size
Plan check fees – Added when a detailed structural or electrical review is required
Re-inspection fees – Charged if initial submissions are incomplete or corrections are missed
Top 10 Delay Drivers
The most frequent reasons solar permit applications get flagged include:
Missing professional engineer (PE) structural calculations
Incorrect conductor sizing on one-line diagrams
Incomplete or outdated spec sheets
Improper rooftop pathways for fire access
Missing or incorrect labeling plan
Rapid shutdown plan details not included
Battery clearance or disconnect requirements were overlooked
Insufficient structural anchorage or attachment details
Utility service upgrade documentation is missing
Contractor license mismatch or expired license
Commercial Solar Permitting: What’s Different
Commercial projects come with more complexity than a typical residential solar permit. AHJs often have stricter review thresholds and require additional documentation to ensure safety and code compliance.
Trigger thresholds:Â Larger systems often require professional engineer (PE) seals, special inspections, and detailed fire access lanes to satisfy local code requirements.
Parking canopies:Â Solar carports and canopies demand foundation calculations, wind exposure analyses, and integration of lighting circuits. These structures are scrutinized more heavily than standard rooftop systems.
Coordination:Â A commercial solar permit usually involves multiple stakeholders. Contractors must work closely with the AHJ, fire marshal, utility (for pre-application or interconnection approvals), and property owners/landlords to align on design and execution.
Solar Permitting Services
Contracting experienced solar permit services is often the most efficient way to keep a project moving after a permit denial. GreenLancer and its network of experts offer solar permitting services designed to meet local solar permit requirements and resolve permitting challenges quickly.
GreenLancer can help:
Review Permit Requirements: Our design partners analyze the solar panel permit requirements and identify why the application was denied. They offer expert advice on how to revise plans to meet local solar permitting codes and regulations.
Modify Solar Plan Sets: If the system design was the issue, we’ll provide updated solar plan sets that satisfy the AHJ, ensuring they align with structural, zoning, and electrical code standards.
Coordinate With the AHJ:Â Our partners can communicate directly with the permitting authority to clarify outstanding concerns and streamline the resubmission process, minimizing delays.
Provide Missing Documentation: A common cause of permit denials is missing or incomplete paperwork. We assist with accurate and complete documentation, including engineering drawings, electrical schematics, and system specs, to meet the solar permitting checklist.
FAQs on Solar Permitting
How long does a solar permit take?
Solar permit timelines vary widely by jurisdiction. According to NREL’s SolarTRACE data, some AHJs issue same-day approvals, while others take 2–3 weeks or longer, depending on backlog, project type, and documentation completeness. Using professional solar permitting services helps shorten the cycle.
What’s included in a solar permit package?
A solar permit package usually contains a site plan, roof layout, electrical one-line and three-line diagrams, module and inverter spec sheets, racking engineering, and structural load calculations. Many AHJs also require rapid shutdown labeling details and battery integration specs if storage is included.
Do I need a PE stamp?
Whether you need a professional engineer’s (PE) stamp depends on the jurisdiction, project size, and conditions. For example, some AHJs require a PE stamp for large commercial arrays, high snow or wind load zones, or complex roof structures. Always check the local solar panel permit requirements.
What causes most solar permit rejections?
The top rejection issues are incomplete or inaccurate details in the plan set. Common corrections include missing rapid shutdown information, conductor or OCPD mismatches, incomplete structural loads, and labeling errors. A code-compliant solar permit package can prevent these costly resubmittals.
Does SolarAPP+ replace inspections?
No. SolarAPP+ automates the solar permit plan review process for qualifying jurisdictions, but AHJs still require on-site field inspections. Installers must pass these inspections to receive final approval and close out the permit.
Meeting Solar Panel Permit Requirements
Successfully navigating the solar permitting process starts with understanding the specific solar panel permit requirements in your area. Each AHJ may have different rules for siting, structural review, and electrical compliance. Before starting any installation, review applicable solar permit requirements to avoid delays and design revisions.
For contractors working across multiple regions, keeping a running list of local solar permit processes and required documentation can streamline operations and reduce project timelines. Staying current with new permitting regulations and building code updates ensures compliance and improves the efficiency of your installations.
GreenLancer connects you with a nationwide network of licensed engineers and solar permitting experts. We specialize in preparing permit-ready solar plan sets, delivering professional engineering stamps, and navigating AHJ-specific solar panel permit requirements nationwide.
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