The most time-consuming and technically challenging aspect of DIY solar isn't the installation - it's getting your solar permit approved.

Permitting requires you to submit complex technical documentation including equipment spec sheets, electrical line diagrams, site layout plans, and structural load calculations. Requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction: some permitting offices process solar permits in a week, while others take 16 weeks or longer.

Before diving into the permitting process, understand that different states have different attitudes toward DIY solar installations. Some states actively encourage DIY projects and offer installation incentives, while others don't allow DIY solar at all. Check out our guide to DIY solar incentives in all 50 states to evaluate your state’s attitude towards DIY solar.

How DIY Solar Permitting Works

Two separate approvals are required to connect a solar system to the grid:

Building Permit

Filed with your AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) - your local permitting office. This gives legal permission to build or modify a structure on your property. Same process as permits for decks, additions, or any other construction project.

Utility Interconnection Agreement:

A contract between you and your utility company that approves physical connection of your solar system to the electrical grid. This is submitted directly to your utility, not your permitting office.

Both processes run in parallel and share similar documentation requirements, but they're handled by completely different organizations with different timelines and approval criteria.

What's Required in a Solar Permit Application?

Solar permitting demands detailed technical documentation:

Equipment Specification Sheets

Complete spec sheets for every major component - solar panels, inverters, racking systems, batteries (if applicable). These prove your equipment meets safety standards and electrical codes.

Electrical Line Diagrams

Single-line and three-line diagrams showing how electricity flows through your system, from panels through inverters to your main service panel and the grid. Must include wire sizing, breaker ratings, and all connection points.

Site Plan

Overhead view of your property showing exact panel placement, distances from roof edges and obstructions, setback requirements, and fire access pathways.

Structural Load Calculations

Engineering calculations proving your roof or ground mount can handle equipment weight, wind loads, and snow loads specific to your climate zone.

The technical precision required here is substantial. A single error in wire sizing or an incorrect load calculation can result in permit rejection and weeks of delay while you revise and resubmit. For this reason, the majority of our customers opt for our permit plan set package, which compiles all the necessary documentation for you.

What’s in Our Permit Plan Sets?

We offer complete solar permit plan set preparation with all supporting documents needed for both your building permit and utility interconnection agreement.

Our permit service starts at $599, with add-ons available for PE stamps (both Structural and Electrical) as required by your jurisdiction. We've successfully permitted systems in all 50 states, so we know what your local AHJ requires and can recommend the right documentation package for your location.

This is the service the vast majority of our customers choose, and for good reason: we've prepared thousands of permit plan sets and know exactly how to structure documentation to meet code requirements. You get the best chance of approval on the first submission, avoiding the frustration and delays that come with rejected applications.

That said, if you're comfortable with the technical side of things and want to prepare your own permit plan set, that option is absolutely available. We're not here to gatekeep the DIY process - we offer our plan sets as a convenience to help you through the most technically demanding part of the project.

Solar Permitting Timelines: Start the Process Early

In well-populated jurisdictions with established solar permitting procedures, typical solar projects see their permits approved in about 1-3 weeks.

In less populated areas with understaffed permitting offices, processing times can extend significantly - up to 3-6+ months in outlier cases.

We strongly recommend filing for your solar permit as soon as you have your complete plan set. Don't wait for your equipment to arrive. As soon as you purchase your solar kit, submit your permit application so it processes while your equipment is in transit. This will give you a head start on processing lead times and keep your project running smoothly.

If your permit application is rejected for any reason, we provide free revisions for 6 months from your original submission date. We'll correct whatever the AHJ flagged and get you resubmitted without additional cost.

The Building Permit Process (1-16+ weeks)

Permit processing speed depends entirely on your local jurisdiction's policies, staffing levels, and experience with solar projects.

Here’s what you can expect in terms of processing timeframes:

Here are the most common reasons for permit delays:

An approved building permit is legally required before you can begin installation. Do not start building your system without approval from your AHJ!

The Utility Interconnection Agreement (1-8+ weeks)

You should file for a utility interconnection agreement at the same time your building permit application. Both applications can process in parallel, ensuring you don’t meet delays during the final interconnection step.

This is more of a multi-step process, with new checkpoints to hit at each phase of your project. Here’s an overview of the timeline for interconnection approval:

The utility interconnection application requires similar documentation to your building permit - line diagrams, equipment specs, site plans. If you use our permit plan set service, all necessary documents for both applications are included.

Inspection & Approval (1-3 weeks)

After installation is complete, your system must pass inspection before it can be activated. Your appointment with the inspector should be booked in advance, which means you should set a concrete schedule to complete the installation process. Missing the inspection date can result in further delays, as the appointment will need to be rescheduled.

Inspection timeline:

The inspection itself is straightforward: a walkthrough confirming the system was built according to your permitted design and meets safety regulations. If you follow your approved plans exactly, you'll pass. Deviations from the permitted design or code violations result in failed inspections and required corrections.

After the inspector signs off, approval is submitted to the permitting office for final processing.

Activation: Permission to Operate

Once you’ve passed the building inspection approval AND final utility review, you’ll receive Permission to Operate (PTO), which is the final step in the process. Once you have PTO, you’re legally cleared to activate your system and start enjoying the benefits of solar power. Important: Do not turn on your system before receiving PTO. Operating without utility approval can result in fines, disconnection, or loss of net metering benefits.

The bottom line on solar permitting: Start early, submit complete documentation, and be patient with the process. Permitting is bureaucratic and slow, but it's required. The sooner you file, the closer you’ll be to generating your own power and eliminating your electric bill.

Free Download: DIY Solar Planning Toolkit

DIY solar has a lot of moving parts: complex permitting applications, unexpected roadblocks, and complex ROI calculations that account for hidden costs and changing utility rate structures. We've compiled everything into one workbook so you can track it all in one place.