Quick Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Authority Having Jurisdiction | Harris County Engineering Department |
| Phone | (713) 956-3000 |
| Permit Fee (estimate) | $100–$300 |
| Typical Approval Timeline | 5–10 business days |
| Required Inspections | Electrical final; structural if roof structure is modified |
| Primary Utility | CenterPoint Energy (TDU) |
| PTO Timeline (post-final) | 15–25 business days |
County-Specific Requirement
Unincorporated Harris County has relatively straightforward solar permit requirements compared to the City of Houston. CenterPoint Energy handles interconnection for most customers — file the distributed generation application at centerpointenergy.com. CenterPoint requires a signed Interconnection Agreement before Permission to Operate is issued.
Required Documents
- Completed permit application — from Harris County Engineering Department
- Site plan / plot plan — showing panel location, setbacks, north arrow, scale
- Roof plan with panel layout — including IFC fire setback dimensions
- Single-line electrical diagram (SLD) — signed by installer
- Equipment specification sheets — panels, inverter, racking
- Structural engineering letter — required for systems over 10kW in most jurisdictions
- Permit fee — $100–$300 (verify current fee schedule with AHJ)
Interconnection: CenterPoint Energy (TDU)
In Texas, your Retail Electricity Provider (REP) sets your solar buyback rate — not CenterPoint. After CenterPoint installs the bidirectional meter, notify your REP and confirm your buyback plan is active. Buyback rates vary from $0 to near-retail depending on your REP and plan.
Full step-by-step guide: Solar Interconnection Application Steps.
File your CenterPoint Energy (TDU) interconnection application at the same time as your county permit application. Both reviews run in parallel, saving 3–6 weeks off your total timeline to Permission to Operate.
HOA Solar Rights — Texas
For Texas HOA solar rights and a template approval request letter, see our HOA Solar Rights by State guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Harris County Engineering Department at (713) 956-3000 or use their online portal to schedule inspections. Your installer typically schedules inspections on your behalf. Inspections are generally available within 1–5 business days of scheduling, depending on the AHJ's workload. Confirm the inspection type (rough-in vs. final) and access requirements with your installer before the scheduled date.
The most common causes: incomplete application documents (missing SLD or spec sheets), plan revisions required by the AHJ (often fire setback issues), and utility interconnection queue delays. Submitting a complete, accurate package the first time and filing the CenterPoint Energy (TDU) interconnection application simultaneously with the county permit are the two most effective delay-reduction strategies.
A properly permitted and inspected solar installation is generally covered under your homeowner's policy as a permanent home improvement. Notify your insurer after installation is complete and PTO is issued — some require a rider or endorsement for solar. Unpermitted installations may void coverage for fire or weather damage. See our guide: What Happens If You Install Solar Without a Permit.