Three solar permitting mistakes to avoid

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The permitting process ensures that solar energy systems are installed according to industry standards, building codes, and safety guidelines. Authorities having jurisdiction review system designs, equipment specifications, and installation plans to verify that the system meets the required safety standards.

An efficient permitting process helps maintain project timelines and promotes a positive customer experience.

1. Incomplete or incorrect solar permit paperwork

Not providing all the required documentation or submitting inaccurate solar permitting information can lead to delays in obtaining solar permits. Therefore, submitting a complete solar permit application with all the required information is paramount.

Randy Chabot, Customer Support Leader for GreenLancer, recommends reviewing your solar components and double-checking the model numbers.

“I see hundreds of solar permits a week that fail because the part numbers do not correlate to what the inspector sees installed in his solar site inspection,” Chabot said. “This can lead to expensive revisions and wait times for the customer.”

For example, when preparing solar permits, it’s critical that the voltage and amperage output calculations of photovoltaic (PV) modules don’t exceed the specifications for solar inverters and rapid shutdown devices (RSD) as specified in 690.7(A)(1) Low Temperature Voltage Corrections.

PV Voc = Open Circuit V + [(Temp C – 25 C) x Module Coefficient] x # of Modules

“Navigating these calculations can be difficult but are crucial in the solar permit plan review process for contractors,” explains Chabot. “I find that this is the most common electrical error.”

“This solution should be only for when service upgrades are too costly,” advises Chabot. “It’s better to upgrade the main service and have more headroom with fewer points of connection.”

Strategies for submitting solar permit applications

Establish a thorough process for managing all the required information. Begin by creating a checklist of all required documents. If you are unsure of the requirements, contact the AHJ because this information can vary by jurisdiction. Next, diligently review the required documents for completeness and accuracy. Double-check that all information matches the project specifications and that all necessary signatures and engineering stamps are obtained if required.

“Different jurisdictions have different regional requirements and are on different code cycles, says Chabot. “It is important to check your jurisdiction’s unique solar permitting requirements.”

Online solar permitting resources:

Up Codes: A great code-compliance resource that shows changes from different code cycles interactively so you can compare and be aware of any changes
ICC (International Code Council): This website provides valuable resources and guidelines to assist with solar permitting, ensuring compliance with building codes and facilitating a streamlined approval process.
SolarAPP+: In jurisdictions where SolarAPP+ is approved, you can check the environment variables, permit setback requirements, and code cycles by reaching out to [email protected]

2. Not meeting electrical code requirements for solar permits

The National Electric Code (NEC) is the widely recognized standard for electrical installations in the United States. To obtain a solar permit, it is essential to comply with the relevant sections of the NEC and any additional electrical code requirements established by local jurisdictions.

It provides guidelines and requirements for electrical work, including those related to solar installations. Here are some key sections of the NEC that specifically apply to solar installations:

Article 690: This section of the NEC focuses exclusively on solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. It covers topics such as system grounding, wiring methods, disconnecting means, circuit sizing, and overcurrent protection.

Article 690.12: This pertains to rapid shutdown requirements. It specifies that PV systems must have a mechanism to rapidly shut down the direct current (DC) portion of the system within a specified time frame, typically within 30 seconds, to enhance firefighter safety during emergencies.

Article 705: This section primarily addresses interconnected electric power production sources, such as large-scale solar installations feeding power to the grid.
- 705.11 Line Side (Supply Side Connections)
- 705.12 Load Side Connections
- 100% Rule
- 120% Rule 705.12(B)(2)
- Sum Of Breakers 705.12(B)(3)

“I find people understand the Sum Of Breakers 705.12(B)(3) method the least,” explains Chabot. “It is usually reserved for instances when a main service panel upgrade is either too difficult or costly for the customer. So, a relocated loads sub-panel is installed to move the loads from the main service panel.”

Tips for ensuring solar plan sets comply with the NEC

Before submitting solar plan sets and permit applications, ensure they comply with the NEC and these articles in particular. Here are some strategies:

Familiarize yourself with the latest NEC requirements: Staying up-to-date with the latest NEC requirements ensures that your solar plan sets are compliant with the latest safety codes and standards.

Follow NEC guidelines: The NEC provides specific guidelines for solar power systems, including grounding, conduit sizing, and labeling requirements. Make sure that your solar plans follow these guidelines for compliance.

Work with experienced professionals: Partnering with experienced and licensed solar contractors, designers, and engineers ensures that your solar plan sets comply with the NEC and that installation is performed safely, following local and state regulations. If you don’t have in-house expertise, consider partnering with a solar permit design service.

“When I was a solar installer in Michigan at three separate state-wide companies, we always used GreenLancer to design our plans,” explains Chabot. “This took the load off our internal personnel to handle solar PV permitting and parts ordering and offered us dedicated support from a licensed designer or professional engineer when required. As a solar contractor, you get in your groove with the type of equipment your company uses. With GreenLancer, we were able to expand our operations into new areas of business with their expertise.”

3. Not fulfilling local zoning requirements

Solar zoning requirements are regulations and guidelines that local governments use to manage the installation and placement of solar energy systems within their jurisdictions. These requirements help ensure that solar installations are safe, aesthetically pleasing, and respectful of the existing property uses and neighborhood character. While specific zoning requirements may vary between cities and counties, here are a few common examples.

Solar setbacks and building height restrictions

Local zoning regulations often dictate the minimum distance that solar panels must be set back from property lines, buildings, or other structures. Additionally, the height of solar installations may be restricted to preserve views, maintain architectural harmony, or prevent shading on neighboring properties.

Design and aesthetics considerations

Some municipalities have design guidelines to ensure solar installations are visually appealing and blend with the surrounding structures. These guidelines may cover aspects like color, materials, and placement of solar panels to maintain neighborhood character and architectural integrity.

Ground-mounted systems vs. rooftop systems

Zoning requirements may distinguish between ground-mounted solar systems and rooftop systems. This could involve limitations on where ground-mounted systems can be located, such as in designated areas or specific zones, to minimize visual impact or preserve open spaces.

Historic districts and landmarks

Additional restrictions may be imposed in historic districts or areas with designated landmarks to protect the historic fabric. Solar installations in these areas may need to undergo a review process to ensure they do not compromise the historic significance or visual character of the district.

Tips for meeting solar zoning requirements

Meeting solar zoning regulations requires careful consideration of local ordinances and best practices for solar energy deployment. Here are some tips to help navigate these regulations:

Understand local zoning regulations

Familiarize yourself with the specific solar zoning regulations in your area. To complicate matters, different localities may have varying setback requirements, height restrictions, and design guidelines for solar energy installations.

Engage with local authorities

Establish communication with local zoning officials and planning departments to gain insights into the specific requirements and protocols for solar permitting and installations. Seeking guidance and clarification from these authorities can help ensure that your solar project aligns with local regulations and zoning codes.

Consider solar aesthetics and design

When planning solar installations, consider the visual impact and design aspects to meet zoning guidelines. Best practices in solar zoning emphasize the importance of aesthetics, architectural harmony, and neighborhood character. By integrating solar installations to complement the surrounding area, you can boost your chances of meeting solar zoning requirements.

Overcoming solar permitting red tape

Although many solar contractors and developers dread permit applications, there are numerous strategies for ensuring a successful solar permitting process. Solar professionals can keep projects moving with velocity by ensuring that solar permit applications are complete and comply with all NEC and zoning requirements. This makes companies more profitable and accelerates renewable energy adoption.