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Understanding Permitting and Inspection Process
Solar permitting and inspection are essential processes that must occur before a solar array can connect to the grid and start producing electricity. Typically, local governments require the homeowner’s solar installer or contractor to obtain a permit for rooftop panels prior to installation. Once the PV system is installed, a local government professional inspects the new array to ensure compliance with all building, electrical, and safety codes. After this inspection, the utility company will approve the system’s interconnection to the grid, allowing it to begin generating power.
Since local governments have varying laws and regulations regarding permitting and inspection, the specific steps and permitting fees can differ across jurisdictions. This variability can increase the non-hardware costs, or soft costs, of a solar installation.
Importance of Permitting and Inspection
Permitting and inspection processes are crucial for ensuring that a building is safe for solar installation and that the solar array is installed correctly and safely. Streamlining these processes can reduce solar soft costs by minimizing the time and labor required for installers or contractors to complete and submit forms, and for local governments to process them. Delays caused by errors in applications, backlogs of solar permit applications, or outdated building, fire, and electrical codes can increase these soft costs. Currently, soft costs account for about two-thirds of total residential system costs and must decrease by an additional 60-70 percent to meet the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office’s (SETO) 2030 cost targets.
SETO Initiatives in Permitting and Inspection
The Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) funds projects aimed at reducing the costs and administrative burdens related to solar permitting and compliance with local codes, rules, and regulations. These projects address solar market barriers by developing solutions to streamline the installation process. SETO’s funded initiatives include:
SolarAPP+
This web-based platform automates solar permitting for local governments and other authorities having jurisdiction, simplifying the permitting process.
SolSmart
This program supports and recognizes local governments that reduce soft costs and expand access to solar energy, promoting easier and more affordable solar installations.