This page provides a detailed description of each criterion in the Standard Pathway: Permitting and Inspection category. It includes recommended verification for designation review, community examples, templates, and/or resources.
Learn more about the SolSmart designation process here. To access this information in a PDF document, download the SolSmart Program Guide.
Overview: Permitting and Inspection
Most local governments have direct oversight of the permitting and inspection policies and procedures within their jurisdiction. Communities that implement permitting best practices provide solar developers and installers with a transparent, efficient, and cost-effective approval process. Well-trained staff and simplified permit applications can reduce staff time needed to review permits which allows them to focus on other priorities. Clear inspection procedures ensure compliance with applicable state and local codes while protecting public health and safety.
Many of the criteria in the permitting and inspection category can be verified by providing information in a detailed permitting checklist. Verification of trainings for permitting and inspection staff and documented improvements to inspection processes are also part of ensuring a transparent and efficient permitting and inspection process.
The Standard Pathway includes 28 criteria for Permitting and Inspection, totaling 275 points.
PI-1 (Required)
Post an online checklist detailing the required permit(s), submittals, and steps of your community’s permitting process for residential rooftop solar PV.
Providing a set of requirements for the local solar permitting process (for both residential and commercial solar) on an easy-to-find local government webpage represents a major step toward overcoming informational barriers. An online solar permit checklist can be a simple way for a community to accelerate permit approval timelines and save staff time by reducing the number of inquiries received from solar installers and requests for additional information associated with incomplete permit applications. Such checklists typically detail all the plans and forms required for approval and system design requirements.
Recommended Verification: Provide a link to the online solar PV permitting checklist.
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PI-2 (10 Points)
Train permitting staff on best practices for permitting solar PV and/or solar and storage systems. Training must have occurred in the past two years. (Required for Silver)
Regular solar PV training, at least every few years, is a best practice to ensure permit technicians and plan reviewers are up-to-date on new procedures, codes, and products within the solar industry. Trainings increase staff knowledge of solar energy systems and ensures they know the best procedures for permit application review and processing to ensure applications and supporting documents are compliant with building and electrical codes. Increased staff knowledge can improve processing efficiency, thereby reducing demands on staff time and resources. Local governments can require staff to attend full or half-day workshops (either live or online) and provide resources designed to help keep staff informed about advances in solar and storage technologies.
Recommended Verification: Provide a signed memo with details about the permit training including name of training, name of trainer, attendees (name, title, department), date and time, location, agenda, and presentation/slides.
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PI-3 (10 Points)
Train inspection staff on best practices for inspecting solar PV and/or solar and storage systems. Training must have occurred within the past two years. (Required for Silver)
Regular solar PV training, at least every few years, is a best practice to ensure field inspectors are up-to-date on new procedures, codes, and products within the solar industry. Trainings increase staff knowledge of solar energy systems and ensures they know the best procedures for field inspections to ensure compliance with applicable state and local building and electrical codes. Increased staff knowledge can improve inspection efficiency, thereby reducing demands on staff time and resources. Local governments can require staff to attend full or half-day workshops (either live or online) and provide resources designed to help keep staff informed about advances in solar and storage technologies.
Recommended Verification: Provide a signed memo with details about the inspection training including name of training, name of trainer, attendees (name, title, department), date and time, location, agenda, and presentation/slides.
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PI-4 (20 Points)
Post an online statement confirming a three-business day turnaround time for residential rooftop solar PV. (Required for Gold)
Implementing a streamlined permitting process for small-scale solar PV systems (≤10-15 kW) along with other efforts increase process efficiency and reduce permit turnaround times can result in significant time and cost savings for staff, solar installers, and solar customers.
Recommended Verification: rovide a link to a webpage outlining a permitting pathway for small PV systems of less than three days.
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PI-5 (20 Points)
Demonstrate pathway for instant/automatic approval of residential rooftop solar PV systems (e.g., using SolarAPP+). (Required for Platinum)
Most residential solar systems are simple and standardized, but the high volume of applications can be time consuming for local permitting departments. Online automated platforms (e.g., SolarAPP+) offer a convenient and efficient way to manage solar permitting. These platforms can help local governments to stay up to date with relevant codes, catch errors, improve communication with applicants, accelerate approval for standardized PV systems, and improve record keeping.
Recommended Verification:
- Provide a link to the online automated platform
- Utilize SolSmart Solar Permitting Checklist (see PI-1) to summarize instructions for using the automated platform
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PI-6 (10 Points)
Post community metrics related to the number of solar PV and solar + storage permits & inspections processed by the community annually, average annual permitting & inspection timelines. (Required for Platinum)
Posting metrics publicly provides transparency and allows community members to understand how the community is progressing toward its goals. This is an important way to create accountability and will help identify the need to implement further actions if goals are not being met. Metrics must be updated annually at a minimum, but communities should strive for quarterly updates.
Recommended Verification: Provide a link to this information posted on the community’s website or solar landing page. Include date when the information was last updated and when tracking began.
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Resources:
- SolarTRACE | National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
PI-7 (5 Points)
Adopt a standard solar PV permit application form aligned with best practices.
Developing a solar-specific permit (or combining building and electrical permits with revisions to collect information unique to solar energy systems) and posting application materials online can save time and money for those completing the forms (and their customers) and the local government staff reviewing and approving these applications.
Recommended Verification: Provide a link to the standard solar PV permit application form.
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PI-8 (5 Points)
Distinguish between solar PV systems qualifying for streamlined and standard permit review.
Recognizing the relative simplicity and similarities of small-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) systems (≤10-15 kW in size) can allow local jurisdictions to establish processes to expedite review and approval of these systems while maintaining its commitment to ensuring public safety. Establishing a separate, streamlined process for small-scale PV systems based on proven national best practices can reduce the time required to review and approve qualifying applications, saving time and money both for the local government and the solar customer.
Recommended Verification:
- Provide a link to a document or web page outlining a streamlined and standard permit review policy.
- Provide details in an e-mail or other written documentation from a permitting official or staff member describing the policy is also acceptable.
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PI-9 (5 Points)
Require no more than one permit application form for a small rooftop solar PV system.
Since rooftop solar energy systems impact both the structural and electrical aspects of the buildings on which they are installed, many local jurisdictions require both building and electrical permits. However, residential rooftop systems with minimal structural impacts can be safely permitted without a building permit application. Relevant design aspects for systems qualifying for only one application form include (but are not limited to): mounting system features, static and dynamic loads of the system, type of roofing material and waterproofing methods, and compliance with zoning and fire codes.
Recommended Verification: Provide a link to the permit application form used for small rooftop solar PV systems.
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PI-10 (20 Points)
Provide an online process for solar PV permit submission and approval.
Onine permit submittal, review, and approval can eliminate solar installer trips to the permitting office and reduce the amount of time permitting staff need to spend entering information from paper application forms into an online database. Online systems can also ensure all required information is submitted prior to any review, saving staff time by ensuring only completed applications are reviewed. Online permit platforms can allow for multiple staff to review materials at the same time and to track progress in the review and approval process.
Recommended Verification: Provide a link to the online platform and instructions for submission and approval. If an email-based online process is used:
- Provide details from building officials or staff describing the process.
- Provide a copy of a sample email with personal and confidential information removed.
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PI-11 (5 Points)
Receive a demonstration of an instant or automated platform (e.g., SolarAPP+) and discuss how it might be implemented in the permitting process.
Online automated platforms (e.g., SolarAPP+) offer a convenient and efficient way to manage solar permitting. Receiving a demonstration of a platform is an opportunity to learn how it can help local governments to stay up to date with relevant codes, catch errors, improve communication with applicants, accelerate approval for standardized PV systems, and improve record keeping.
Recommended Verification: Signed memo that includes date, attendees, presenter, summary of discussion topics and next steps.
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PI-12 (20 Points)
Exempt or waive fees for residential solar PV permit applications.
In addition to state and federal incentives, local governments can also incentivize solar development within their jurisdictions. Exempting or waiving permit fees for solar energy systems can incentivize community members to install solar by lowering the overall cost of the system. Communities that receive PI-12 also receive PI-14 (but do not also receive PI-13).
Recommended Verification: Provide a link to the permit fee schedule or other officially approved document that shows solar PV permit fees are exempt or waived.
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PI-13 (5 Points)
Exempt or waive fees for residential solar PV permit applications for LMI customers.
One way to further reduce the barriers for LMI residents to install solar PV systems, is to exempt or waive permit fees. Communities that receive points for PI-12 cannot also receive points for PI-13.
Recommended Verification: Provide a link to the permit fee schedule or other officially approved document that shows solar PV permit fees are exempt or waived with detail on the income qualifications.
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PI-14 (5 Points)
Demonstrate that residential permit fees for solar PV are $500 or less.
Many local governments permit solar systems through existing permitting processes and permit fees for solar are often calculated according to value-based methods typically associated with building permits (where the fee is a certain percentage of the overall project cost). Due to the higher cost of solar installations relative to comparable projects, fees calculated by a value-based method can become expensive and exceed the cost of the staff time required to review and issue the permits. For residential systems, capping solar permit fees under $500 or establishing a flat fee, can ensure permit fees cover staff costs without unnecessarily increasing project costs.
Recommended Verification: Provide a link to the permit fee schedule or a document that outlines the permit fees applied to a solar installation.
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PI-15 (10 Points)
Demonstrate that commercial permit fees for solar PV are based on cost-recovery and capped at a reasonable level so fees do not become a net revenue source. (e.g. fees cover the cost of the staff time required to review and process the permit application).
Many local governments permit solar systems through existing permitting processes and permit fees for solar are often calculated according to value-based methods typically associated with building permits (where the fee is a certain percentage of the overall project cost). Due to the higher cost of solar installations relative to comparable projects, fees calculated by a value-based method can become expensive and exceed the cost of the staff time required to review and issue the permits. For commercial systems, basing fees on a cost-recovery method can ensure permit fees cover staff costs without unnecessarily increasing project costs.
Recommended Verification:
- Provide a link to the permit fee schedule or a document that outlines the permit fees applied to a solar installation.
- Provide a narrative that explains the costs incurred in processing the permits (this should include estimates of the amount of staff hours for each stage of the process and the hourly cost of staff time). This narrative should show that the fee is not significantly higher than these costs.
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PI-16 (10 Points)
Post an online checklist detailing the required permit(s), submittals, and steps of your community’s solar plus (e.g., battery storage and/or electric vehicle charging) permitting process.
Local governments can support “solar plus” technologies, including energy storage and electric vehicle charging, by providing clear information about permitting. An online permit checklist can be a simple way for a community to accelerate permit approval timelines and save staff time by reducing the number of inquiries received from installers and requests for additional information associated with incomplete permit applications. Such checklists typically detail all the plans and forms required for approval and system design requirements.
Recommended Verification: Provide link to online permitting checklist for solar plus, EV charging or other “solar plus” technologies.
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PI-17 (10 Points)
Post an online checklist detailing the required permit(s), submittals, and steps of your community’s permitting process for primary use ground-mount solar and include any additional state required permits.
Providing a set of requirements for the local solar permitting process for primary use ground-mount solar on an easy-to-find local government webpage represents a major step toward overcoming informational barriers. An online solar permit checklist can be a simple way for a community to accelerate permit approval timelines and save staff time by reducing the number of inquiries received from solar installers and requests for additional information associated with incomplete permit applications. Such checklists typically detail all the plans and forms required for approval and system design requirements.
Recommended Verification: Provide a link to the online ground-mount solar PV permitting checklist.
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PI-18 (10 Points)
Post solar PV inspection requirements online, including the inspection process and what details inspectors will review.
Providing a set of requirements for the local solar permitting process for primary use ground-mount solar on an easy-to-find local government webpage represents a major step toward overcoming informational barriers. An online solar permit checklist can be a simple way for a community to accelerate permit approval timelines and save staff time by reducing the number of inquiries received from solar installers and requests for additional information associated with incomplete permit applications. Such checklists typically detail all the plans and forms required for approval and system design requirements.
Recommended Verification: Provide a link to the online ground-mount solar PV permitting checklist.
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PI-19 (10 Points)
Require no more than one inspection for small rooftop solar PV.
Inspections of standard rooftop solar energy systems installed on existing homes should be consolidated into a single inspection trip. Any inspections should be limited to the electrical, structural, and fire safety aspects of the system; excessive reviews add to the time and cost of the inspection process while doing little to ensure system efficiency or further protect public health or safety. Building and Fire Authorities can enter into agreements allowing for a single agency to conduct all inspections for systems meeting certain design standards.
Recommended Verification: Provide details about the solar PV inspection process that includes information on the type of inspections (and which departments are involved) and total number inspection trips required.
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PI-20 (10 Points)
Offer inspection appointment times in lieu of appointment windows for solar PV.
Though inspections of standard rooftop solar PV systems can take as little as 30 minutes to complete, inspection appointment windows can be up to four or more hours long. Replacing appointment windows with scheduled appointment times will ensure the inspector and installer are both prepared for the inspection to occur when they arrive on site. This can save time and money for both the local government and the installer (and for solar customers as well).
Recommended Verification: Provide details about the solar PV inspection process that includes information on inspection appointment times and how to request an appointment.
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PI-21 (10 Points)
Provide an online process for solar PV inspection scheduling.
Similar to online permit submittal, review, and approval processes, an online option for scheduling and managing inspection requests can promote process efficiency and reduce demands on time and resources for local government staff.
Recommended Verification:
Provide a link to the online platform for inspection scheduling. If an email-based online process is used:
- Provide details from building official or staff describing the process.
- Provide a copy of a sample email with personal and confidential information removed.
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PI-22 (10 Points)
Show that the community has implemented virtual, photo, or another innovative inspection practice with solar and/or solar plus storage.
Innovations that help to streamline the inspection process can ensure that systems are properly installed while reducing time and expense. Communities may utilize these practices for systems of a certain type (i.e., residential) or size.
Recommended Verification:
- Include details on virtual, photo, or another innovative inspection practice in the community’s Inspection Checklist (PI-1); or
- Describe the innovative practices in a signed memo.
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PI-23 (10 Points)
Post solar plus (e.g., battery storage and/or electric vehicle charging) inspection requirements online, including the inspection process and what details inspectors will review.
Providing an online list of inspection requirements will reduce informational barriers between inspectors and energy storage installers, helping to ensure that all items in the inspection process have been adequately addressed before inspectors arrive on site. These checklists can be used to highlight “common mistakes” made by installers.
Recommended Verification: Provide a link to the online document outlining the inspection process and requirements.
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PI-24 (10 Points)
Train fire and safety staff on solar PV and/or solar and storage systems. Training must have occurred in the past two years.
Regular solar PV training, at least every few years, is a best practice to ensure firefighters and first responders are up-to-date on new procedures, codes, and products within the solar industry. Though fires caused by rooftop solar PV systems are extremely rare, firefighters responding to fires caused by other means need to take special precautions when a solar PV system is present. Training fire safety staff on how to identify and avoid potential hazards can help ensure the safety of first responders and reduce misconceptions or discomfort around increased solar deployment.
Recommended Verification: Provide a signed memo with details about the fire and safety staff training including name of training, name of trainer, attendees (name, title, department), date and time, location.
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PI-25 (10 Points)
Train fire and safety staff on specific plans and procedures for responding to an emergency at a large-scale solar PV system within the jurisdiction. (This may include a walk-through of the site, coordinated with the project’s owner/operator). Training must have occurred in the past two years.
Though fires and other emergencies at large-scale solar PV systems are extremely rare, fire and safety staff should partner with a large-scale solar system owner/operator to ensure first responders have a standard operating procedure (SOP) outlining how to address a fire or rescue operation at the large-scale solar project. The solar system owner/operator should work with fire responder to ensure SOPs are established and that the fire and safety staff have received any necessary training. Along with a basic understanding of solar PV and fire safety, firefighters and safety staff should be familiar with the project site and characteristics, including where to enter the site, location of system components, if battery storage is present at the site, and proper shutdown procedures. First responders should also know key points of contact for the project in case of an emergency.
Recommended Verification:
- Provide a signed memo with details about emergency response plans and procedures.
- Provide a link to the requirement in the community’s code of ordinances.
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PI-26 (10 Points)
Share site specific solar PV and/or solar and storage permit data, including addresses, with first responders and their departments. (e.g. through software that allows users to view searchable, filterable data about a specific site and system).
Fire and safety staff can benefit from having access to the locations of permitted solar PV systems. This gives fire departments advanced knowledge about homes or business that have on-site solar and allows them to development a plan before arriving onsite.
Recommended Verification:
- Provide details about the process for information sharing, including how fire and safety staff received the data.
- Provide a link to the platform that allows fire and safety staff to access the data.
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PI-27 (5 Points)
Clearly identify all local amendments to model codes where local code deviates from model code for solar and solar plus storage. Summarize those local amendments on a public webpage.
Sometimes local codes must deviate from model codes for reasons specific to that community. Informing the public which local codes differ and why increases transparency and trust. Post on the community’s website or solar landing page a table summarizing the current model code adopted by the community and list amendments relevant to solar PV and energy storage.
Recommended Verification: Provide a link to this information posted on the community’s website or solar landing page.
PI-28 (10 Points)
Demonstrate that current model code (IRC, IBC, and NEC) cycle is implemented in the community for solar and solar plus storage (codes must be the most recent editions (or penultimate edition)).
The safe and reliable installation of solar PV systems and their integration with the nation’s electric grid requires timely implementation of the foundational codes and standards governing solar deployment. The codes, which are typically updated every three years, are not necessarily adopted as soon as they are published. State and local governments generally adopt the codes on schedules related to state and local governmental processes. This variability makes it more difficult (and costly) for a solar installer to operate across multiple jurisdictions. Therefore, states and localities are encouraged to update their codes to more effectively regulate solar development.
Recommended Verification: Provide a link to this information posted on the community’s website or solar landing page.
