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Residential Solar Permit Checklist
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☀ Residential Solar Permit Checklist
Solar Permit Guide · solarpermitguide.pages.dev · Informational use only
Property: ___________________________
Installer: ___________________________
Date: ___________________________
Section 1 — Permit Application Documents
Completed permit application form — from your county AHJ (building department). Download from AHJ portal or pick up in person.
Site plan / plot plan — overhead drawing of property showing home footprint, panel location on roof, north arrow, scale, property lines, and setback dimensions. Must be to-scale.
Roof plan with panel layout — detailed roof drawing showing each panel's location, IFC fire setback dimensions (18-inch perimeter clearance; 36-inch hip/ridge path on hip roofs), and array boundary.
Single-line electrical diagram (SLD) — schematic from panels through inverter to utility meter. Must identify all equipment by make, model, and ratings. Prepared by installer.
Equipment spec sheets — solar panels — manufacturer data sheet showing model number, wattage, voltage, current, and UL listing. Must match SLD exactly.
Equipment spec sheets — inverter(s) — manufacturer data sheet for string inverter, microinverters, or power optimizers. Must be UL 1741 listed.
Equipment spec sheets — racking / mounting — manufacturer data sheet for mounting system. In HVHZ (Miami-Dade/Broward FL): must have NOA or FL Product Approval number.
Structural engineering letter — required for systems over 10kW in most jurisdictions. AZ-licensed, CA-licensed, etc. engineer certifies roof load adequacy. May be waived for standard roofs under 10kW.
Load calculations — required if electrical panel is being upgraded or sub-panel added. Shows existing and new loads per NEC Article 220.
Permit fee — paid at submission. Amount varies by county and system size. Typical range: $100–$900. Confirm current fee with your AHJ before submitting.
Contractor license verification — confirm your installer's state license is active before submission (ROC in AZ, CSLB in CA, TDLR in TX, DBPR in FL, etc.)
Section 2 — Inspections Checklist
Check off each item before calling for the corresponding inspection
Structural Rough-In (after racking, before panels)
Lag bolts landed in rafters — not sheathing only. Minimum embedment 2.5" per racking manufacturer spec.
Lag bolt diameter and length match racking installation instructions (typically 5/16" or 3/8").
Flashing kit installed at every roof penetration — properly integrated under roofing material, not caulk-only.
IFC fire setbacks confirmed — measure perimeter clearance before calling for inspection.
Layout matches approved plans exactly — no field changes without approved plan amendment.
Electrical Rough-In (after wiring runs, before cover)
Correct conduit type for location (EMT interior; rigid PVC/aluminum exterior/wet). Properly supported.
Conduit fill within NEC limits. Conductor sizes match approved SLD.
Grounding and bonding complete — array frame bonded, EGC in all conduit runs.
Final Inspection (after all work complete)
Equipment matches approved plans exactly — panel, inverter, racking model numbers identical to permit documents.
NEC 690.56 label installed at main electrical panel — indicates solar PV source is present.
Required labels at inverter — nameplate, disconnect ID, PV source circuit information.
AC disconnect labeled, accessible, within line-of-sight of utility meter (or lockable open).
Rapid shutdown initiator labeled "SOLAR PV SYSTEM RAPID SHUTDOWN" — accessible, functional, tested.
Fire setback dimensions confirmed by roof walk — matches approved roof plan.
Inverter clearances met — 3-foot service access in front.
System ready for inspector to energize if requested — inverter functional, all connections complete.
Section 3 — Utility Interconnection Steps
Identify your electric utility — investor-owned utility (IOU), municipal utility, or electric cooperative. Determines which application form and portal to use.
Submit interconnection application — file with your utility at the same time as the county permit (not after). Include SLD, equipment specs, county permit number.
Receive application confirmation — save the confirmation number. Use it to track status and for all future correspondence with the utility's interconnection team.
Respond to any deficiency notices — missing docs or errors cause review clock to pause. Respond within 5 business days to avoid restarting the queue.
Receive Conditional Approval Letter (CAL) — if your utility issues one. Not PTO — technical pre-approval to proceed with installation.
Pass county final inspection — obtain Certificate of Completion from AHJ.
Submit final inspection report to utility — immediately after county final passes. Reference interconnection application number.
Utility meter installation — utility schedules bidirectional meter installation (typically 5–15 business days). You do not need to be home in most cases.
Receive Permission to Operate (PTO) — written authorization from utility. System can now be turned on and export to grid. Do not energize before PTO.
Section 4 — Project Milestone Log
Fill in dates as milestones are completed — useful for tracking timeline and following up with AHJ or utility
Permit application submitted
Date: _______________
Permit #: _______________
Interconnection application submitted
Date: _______________
Confirmation #: _______________
Permit approved
Date: _______________
CAL received from utility
Date: _______________
Installation complete
Date: _______________
Rough-in inspection passed
Date: _______________
Final inspection passed
Date: _______________
Inspection report sent to utility
Date: _______________
PTO received
Date: _______________
System turned on
Date: _______________
Notes / Contacts: