Do You Require a Building Permit on Solar Panels

[Mule]

We have our first request for the installation of solar panels. I informed the contractor that I needed engineered plans showing that the roof will support the additional load.

A electrical permit will be required with specifications and drawings on the installation of the panels.

Do you guys require a building permit on solar panels and why? The company is submitting detailed engineered drawings. Does that initiate a building permit?

 

[mtlogcabin]

If they where being installed in this area we would require a building permit

Why?

Snow drift loads would be my biggest concern for this area.

Mechanical code addresses solar panels for heating systems.

 

[Span]

Yes, building permit and electrical permit are require,

Need roof layout, show total weight of solar panel and detail connecttion to roof for building plan check, and fire department's approval for panel location.

span

 

[texas transplant]

Yes permit. Electrical and mechanical permits as they apply.

Additional, probably undesigned for roof load.

Most I have seen already have the plans when asked. They have already learned the drill somewhere else.

 

[FredK]

Yes. We get detailed plans showing location on roof, mounting racks, type and number of solar panels, type of inverter to be used. Included is a 1-2 page detail showing mounting location of disconect, ground wire to panel, and labels for solar info per NEC.

Cost of permit is $150.00.

Same info for solar water heating. Cost is $65.00.

There is no snow load so plans are not checked for that.

 

[fatboy]

Yes, permit required............

 

[Mule]

What about location of disconnects?

Wouldn't the system still be energized even when the meter is pulled?

 

[EPrice]

What about location of disconnects? Wouldn't the system still be energized even when the meter is pulled?

Location of disconnects is an important consideration. The portion of the solar system from the solar panels up to the inverter will be energized unless it is night (or unless a disconnect is opened). After the inverter, it depends on the type of system. In the utility interactive systems, that have no battery storage (the most common type around here), the inverters are designed to sense the loss of utility power and disconnect the solar power from the rest of the system.

 

[FredK]

I went here back in 06. http://www.irecusa.org/fileadmin/user_upload/NationalOutreachPubs/InspectorGuidelines-Version2.1.pdf

Started looking at the last pages for what I should be requiring. Very similar to what we get now.

 

[TimNY]

@FredK: Thanks! That is an excellent pdf, I downloaded it and will be putting together a list of requirements for permit submittals.

And as for the OT.. yes, permit required as an addition/extension of a system.

 

[Mule]

Thanks for the responses. The contractor did bring in a book on "Expidited Permit Process for PV Systems". It was written by the same engineer onthe above link.

This web site Solar ABC's has some good information too. It was a link inside the book the contractor provided me.

 

[SCBO1]

Mule,

Yes, permit required.

Check with the local utility also for required saftey requirements to protect utility personel. The customer will have a few hoops to jump thru also. The firefighters like a walk area between the solar panels so they can use their special key (axe) when they need to vent a fire.

 

[PORTEOUS]

Engineering and permit req. for roof load, and electrician to hook from inverter to panel, had a meeting w/ fire to inform that they are energized even after disconnected @ inverter.