What permits do I need for rooftop solar?

There are a few things to consider with regards to permitting when doing any sort of construction in most areas.

The zoning rules, building codes, laws, etc. are different in every area so if you are not in Tucson or are dealing with a utility company other than TEP, your situation will most certainly be different.

That said, the process is similar in that most often there will be some sort of approval process with the utility before they will allow connection to the grid and some sort of building permit with which ever local authority that covers your area (which could be more than one).

In Tucson, we need two approvals- one from TEP and the other from the county permitting process…

The process in Tucson and TEP (for systems 20kWac or less):

1. New solar application is submitted to TEP
2. TEP reviews application for required info
3. TEP reviews system drawing and requirements

Application approved by TEP

4. Installer applies for building permit
5. Installation completed
6. Installation inspected by local permit inspection process
7. Installer notify TEP of installation complete
8. TEP review final drawings, permit status, pictures of install, and does field inspection if needed
9. TEP sets date to install required billing and production meters
10. Power turn on

That might seem to be a lot, so let me break it down a little.

Basically, the solar power system needs to be designed properly for its operation and for the installation as well.

On the one hand, we want an electrically safe power system that will work correctly with the grid. TEP reviews the plans for this.

The roof needs to be able to support the solar panels. There are fire codes associated with the placement of batteries. There are electrical codes that apply as well. The building permit process covers these requirements.

So, more or less- a solar company’s engineering department will design technical drawings for the solar power system and submit that to TEP and the permit process for review and approval. TEP calls for this to be submitted to them first, which makes sense as there is a charge/cost for permit applications.

These two review and approval processes are there to protect us. This is designed to keep the solar companies honest in the design of the system as well as the final review of the installation to make sure it-

1. Matches the requirements called in the approved design
2. Is at least inspected by an informed 3rd party to ensure minimum safety requirements are met.

Click here for a copy from TEP’s website of this process and review it before sitting down with any solar sale team.

TEP Solar Interconnection Process Level One- 20kWac or less

https://docs.tep.com/wp-content/uploads/TEP-Solar-Interconnection-Process.pdf

Make sure you ask questions about how the solar installation company intends to refrain from conducting any install before the building permit is approved and issued.

(Might want to consider insisting on them showing you before allowing the construction team on the property to commence work…)

There’s a lot that goes into a rooftop solar system. They are viable, reliable, and in many cases affordable (especially with the tax credits).

If you are looking into rooftop solar for you home or business, I have a book coming soon that will help you with this and many other aspects of getting the right solar system while avoiding them many pitfalls.

Click here to get notified when I release Tucson Solar Insider Desk Guide for Buying Solar.

Be Good!
Curtis