Solar projects have more players than most home projects. There's you, the installer, the permit office (usually for both building and electrical), the utility (for connecting to the grid), and sometimes an HOA. Each one has its own paperwork. Most residential solar is installed by companies that handle permitting as part of the job, but it pays to understand what's being filed in your name.
This guide covers what to decide, check and ask. General guidance only. Your permit office and utility decide what applies.
Why solar gets reviewed
Rooftop solar adds weight and wind load to a roof, makes holes in it for attachments, and ties a power source into your home's electrical system. Reviewers look at whether the roof structure can carry the array, whether attachments are flashed properly, whether firefighters have the access pathways they need on the roof, and whether the electrical work, including disconnects and labeling, is done right. The utility separately reviews whether and how your system connects to the grid.
When permits usually come up
For nearly all grid-connected systems, expect:
- A building or structural permit for rooftop arrays, and for ground mounts with foundations.
- An electrical permit for the inverter, wiring, disconnects and the connection to your panel.
- Utility interconnection approval before the system is turned on.
- Zoning review for ground mounts and, in some places, for rooftop systems visible from the street.
- Separate review for batteries, which often have their own location and safety requirements.
What to decide first
- Roof first. If your roof will need replacing within the next several years, consider doing it before solar goes on. Removing and reinstalling panels later costs money.
- Rooftop or ground mount. Ground mounts avoid roof penetrations but need yard space, trenching and zoning compliance.
- System size. Your installer will propose a size based on your usage and roof. Ask how they arrived at it.
- Panel capacity. Larger systems, batteries or EV chargers can push a panel toward an upgrade.
- Ownership. Buying, financing, leasing or a power purchase agreement each affect who is responsible for what.
What to check and gather
- Your last twelve months of electric bills, for usage.
- Roof age and any known leaks or soft spots.
- Your electrical panel's main breaker rating and available space.
- Shading from trees or neighboring buildings, through the day and across seasons.
- HOA rules, if any. Some states limit how much an HOA can restrict solar, but rules and approvals still apply.
Questions to ask your permit office
- What permits does a rooftop (or ground-mounted) solar system need here?
- Do you require structural documentation, such as an engineer's letter, for rooftop arrays?
- Are there roof access pathway or setback requirements for fire safety?
- What inspections are required, and in what order relative to utility approval?
- Is there a separate review for battery storage?
- Does a ground mount need to meet accessory-structure setbacks?
Questions to ask your installer
- Who pulls the permits and handles utility interconnection?
- Will an engineer review the roof structure?
- How are roof attachments flashed, and what's the warranty on roof penetrations?
- What happens if the roof needs replacing later?
- Does my panel need an upgrade, and is that included?
- Are batteries part of the quote, and what permits do they need?
Common reasons solar projects get delayed
- Structural documentation missing for the roof.
- Fire-access pathways not shown on the plans.
- Electrical plans that don't match the equipment installed.
- Utility interconnection paperwork not complete before final inspection.
- HOA approval not obtained.
Reading a solar quote with permits in mind
Solar quotes focus on system size, production estimates and savings. Ask that the quote also spell out the permitting scope: which permits the installer pulls, whether structural review by an engineer is included, who handles interconnection paperwork with the utility, whether a panel upgrade is included if needed, and how long permitting and utility approval typically take in your area from their own experience. A good installer will answer those plainly. A quote that skips them leaves you guessing about the parts that most often cause delays.
Batteries and backup power
Many homeowners now pair solar with battery storage, either for backup during outages or to use more of their own power. Batteries bring their own questions: where they can be installed (garage, exterior wall, basement), clearances, ventilation, protection from vehicles in a garage, and how the system isolates from the grid during an outage so line workers stay safe. Requirements for batteries are newer and change more often than rules for panels, which makes it more likely your town has its own local approach. Ask the office about battery location and permits specifically, and ask your installer which standards the equipment is listed to. If you're considering a generator instead of or alongside a battery, see our electrical guide for the permit questions that come with it.
Do it yourself or hire a pro?
Grid-tied solar is a project for licensed installers and electricians in almost every case, and many utilities require it. Small off-grid setups for a shed are a different conversation. Sully's report says plainly that grid-tied solar is pro work, and focuses on helping you understand the permits and ask good questions.
How Sully helps with solar
Sully asks about your roof, panel and system type, then reads your town's pages first, then the county and state, labeling every rule with its source. The report lists the permits and inspections your town publishes, who to call, and common rejection reasons, plus a plain note on the utility's role. If the town doesn't publish its solar requirements online, the report says so. It's a strong way to check your installer's plan against what the town says, before you sign.
Related reading: Replacing a roof and Planning electrical work.