The solar market is growing rapidly, so this growth comes with an added challenge: permits and local requirements. A significant part of this process includes working with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), the entity responsible for enforcing safety codes and building permits for solar installations. Understanding AHJ solar requirements is critical for anyone looking to navigate the permitting landscape successfully.
For installers and developers, it's imperative to understand how the AHJ interacts with the permitting process. AHJs review site plans, structural plans, and electrical plans before the installation begins. To help identify design deficiencies, address code compliance issues, and avoid costly project delays, it's important to communicate with the AHJ as soon as possible during the design phase.
As the solar market continues to thrive, we need to stay on top of evolving AHJ requirements and develop relationships with local AHJs. This makes the permitting process much smoother, accelerates the timeline of projects, and enhances the sustainability and viability of the solar market itself.
AHJ in the Solar Industry
AHJ functions
You can consider AHJs as the referees of the solar industry. Their role is to ensure that every installation, whether it's in simple residences, to large commercial developments, is compliant with everything from zoning and building code to safety standards. Depending on the project, it could be a city building department, maybe a county office, or possibly even a city council. They also work together with EDCs to ensure that your system connects safely on to the grid. To the solar development team, the AHJ is not just a box to check.
The AHJ is a valuable partner in the process. The more you engage with the AHJ, the more streamlined the project runs; thus decreasing delays, costs, and the chances of completing the project with a last minute snag.
AHJs act differently based on location
Of course, the applicability, procedures, requirements of the AHJs for solar installations vary a great deal based on the locations. This is due to:
"Local" building codes, zoning ordinances, and safety requirements
Utilities whose unique grid integration requirements and incentives vary
Whether AHJs have any experience with solar installations
It is a must to understand every AHJ's rules/processes of each AHJ in the local area your solar development projects are located. This could be keeping a up to date index of AHJ rules & regulations for each development, or enlisting a capable partner to conduct this.
As the solar power industry evolves, it is important that AHJs, solar project developers, and utilities work together to provide information to one another. This will limit the time, effort, and waste in collecting information through manual data entry, but it will also enhance the reliability of the AHJ registry.
Finding the 'Most Difficult' AHJs and Their Problems
There are jurisdictions that are more difficult than others, and the reasons may vary.
Overlapping jurisdictions: Most challenging, is wanting to work with multiple AHJs that have overlapping jurisdictions. Conflicting Requirements: Different agencies can have contradictory requirements, resulting in delays and significant additional paperwork.
Inconsistent Regulations: Solar developers will often work across many jurisdictions or countries, each with their own requirements and standards. Working through these inconsistencies can be difficult and time-consuming.
Lack of Solar Background: Some AHJs are still trying to get a grip on how solar develops into their world. When they do not review many projects, they get uneasy with something that is perceived to be "non-standard" (even if it is). Expect questions, additional reviews, and potentially some head-shaking. It is not necessarily resistance, it is lack of knowledge- and your project is in the way.
Naysayers in the Community: Oftentimes, the difficult parts of the projects is not technical- it is emotional. A couple of people that are upset can turn a straightforward install into a hostile meet at a Town Hall. Concerns about glare, "really ugly panels," or invented environmental hazards take time to resolve. Facts are important, but feelings win. (And most likely you can minimize the issues before they manifest).
Bureaucratic Red Tape: Solar red tape is a beast all on its own. One department has told you to submit forms that a different agency has not even developed yet. Regulations seem like riddles. And how long do you have to wait? "Soon" means different things to different people. You are not just building a system, you are walking through a maze with a blind fold on with a finish line along the way.
How to Handle the Most Challenging/Shaky AHJ Experience
Even though some AHJs are worse to work with than others, you can employ a variety of techniques to get the project across the finish line smoothly.
THOROUGH SITE SELECTION
Using sites that comply with local rules and community preferences will increase your likelihood of getting approval.
OBTAINING THOROUGH SITE DATA
Going through each potential site for solar projects, before developing plansets (and therefore submitting them to AHJs) so that no data is left out. You can either have an in-house site survey team that is exceptionally knowledgeable, or you can hire one. There are a lot of regulations across the country to navigate. To read about our experience with site surveys, click here.
STAYING UP TO DATE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS
Utilizing experts who are thoroughly educated about solar project regulations can help navigate your way through the permitting process. Keeping constantly maintained, up to date database of AHJ requirements for the areas your company serves, or hiring someone to do this, can help you be prepared.
Some AHJ's are notoriously tough to deal with, but that doesn't mean you'll never find approval. It just requires being savvy. When solar developers understand what each AHJ would like, with consistent communication with the local community, and allying with experts who understand the system, the chances of getting approval can become significantly better. It's not about fighting back, it's just a matter of understanding it, once you do, it may be difficult, but the toughest AHJs become a manageable obstacle.
The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) Solar Permitting Process
Permitting Process Overview
Starting a solar project begins with Tier 1 systems getting submitted to the Authority Having Juridiction (AHJ). The AHJ is the body that will ultimately ensure that every piece of design—site plan, structural drawings, electrical diagrams—are compliant. If any of the installers are unaware of local building and electrical codes, the project will stop in its tracks.
Once again, navigating the solar permitting process can be easier if you're prepared. Gather and prepare all pieces of required documentation before you even submit, and refer to the AHJ guideline booklet to follow their steps. This way, you can save a bunch of waiting, revisions and get your project submitted as soon as possible. Here's a quick overview of documentation you might need to prepare:
Site Plan:A site plan shows the layout of the solar panel, and location of the equipment
Structural Design: Structural design explains the structural components and load bearing capacities of the project
Electrical Layout: The electrical layout is the electrical system diagrams, circuits and interconnections
Inspection and Code Compliance
The permit application is submitted and the AHJ will review the plans for compliance with the building and electrical codes. During this phase, the AHJ might ask for additional information or revisions for their compliance determination.
Solar installers can expect that to not hold up the inspections, that you:
Have identified a means of getting the necessary permits/inspections,
Have the necessary documentation sorted and prepared,
Understand local building and electrical codes and,
Take notes on what else the AHJ requires.
Interconnection Requirements
If you get the AHJ to approve your project—great work, but that is only a half a climb. The fun starts after- every solar project must also make the utility's interconnection aesthetic before it can actually produce power. (And it's not always pretty). No utility is the same. One will require multiple and endless documentation, another likes to send their inspectors to the install and finally, some will require extensive technical requirements to work out down to the infrastructure level of the install and interconnections before they'll approve interconnection.
It begs the reins of agency, which it does! But here is the kicker. Without it, you will not plug into the grid. No approval, no connection and no power. I get it! Awful but there are reasons this is essential. These requirements ensure your solar system can responsibly send power to the grid and safely integrate with the grid electrical system.
Here are some interconnection requirements you may consider:
Application to utility, plus related fees.
Engineering reviews, as needed,
Relevant safety and performance standards.
Utility inspection and approval.
By knowing permitting processes for solar, confirming inspection and code compliance and interconnection, now the installers should be able to design and implement successful projects.
Standards and Codes
National and local building codes
In solar installations under AHJs, rules are not optional. National codes, local codes- these are the guardrails. These prevent rooftop systems from entering danger, ensure beams can carry weight, and prevent wiring from becoming hazardous. Long, complicated documents? Yes. But for a reason. The framework is established by groups such as the International Code Council, and local building departments implement it, scanning every nut and bolt before anything goes forward.
Some codes are obvious, others buried in technical code language, and inspectors seem to be the only ones to love. But if you miss one then you are stalled. Plain and simple. Following are some of the main codes you may run into in the world of solar standards:
International Building Code (IBC): Considers structural issues in solar installations such as wind and snow loads, and also what is required for the mounting systems and footings.
International Residential Code (IRC): Details load which apply for rooftop solar systems on residential buildings.
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 7: Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures: Provides loads for solar installations such as dead loads, live loads, and environmental loads.
Depending on the jurisdiction, it may have even more local requirements that have nothing to do with national codes. It is always advisable to check with local jurisdiction prior to starting any solar project.
Electrical and Fire Codes
If you can't get something wrong in solar it is electronic and fire safety. Really, these codes are required and non-negotiable. Solar installations involve high voltage, hot surfaces, and systems that can last for decades, it is little wonder that the national and state codes have much to say about how that is done.
But - when it comes down to it? There are two codes that matter most. These are the codes that every installer should know before laying a finger on a single panel:
National Electrical Code (NEC): Standardized code for electrical installations, including solar PV systems, grounding, overcurrent protection, and wiring methods.
International Fire Code (IFC): Fire code provisions for fire safety, responder access, and hazardous mitigation with solar installations.
It is worth keeping in mind that each state and each municipality, and sometimes even an individual town can have their own version of electrical and fire code. What is ok'ed in one place could get flagged in another. It is complicated, but that is the reality. These issues can often be discovered early on, before drawings are finalized, before any materials are ordered. Ignoring them will lead to redesign, delays, and unnecessary cost overruns. Not worth it. Address them up front, and you can avoid the frustration, and keep the project on track.
Environmental Regulations
In addition to the building and safety codes there is another hurdle you cannot forget about - environmental regulations. Some jurisdictions want to be sure your project will not ruin the land, impact the wildlife, drain the water, or change the air quality. That's a lot, and it is! And rightfully so. The point of those rules is not for governmental red tape, it is for ensuring that solar can be assimilated into the environment, scars and all. When conducting your work, not only are you staying in compliance- you are solidifying the future of the project.
A project that is friendly to its context will almost always run substantially better over time. Skip these steps and you are risking shutdowns, fines, and much worse. The best practice? Engage with your local AHJ prior to beginning work, and make sure every environmental checkbox is checked beforehand.
Solar Design and Installation
Design Specifications
When discussing the installation of a Solar PV system, there are multiple things to check off your list beyond just mounting panels on the sunniest pitch. You must design the system, predict the energy output, and account for any local or regional regulations that may govern the design.
Good design does not cut corners. It captures the site layout, the electrical design, and the mounting specifications, with the goal of being safe, effective and durable. Advanced software give us the ability to make a tight, accurate, and site-specific solar design. Another good practice is to consult the AHJ early in the process to improve permitting down the line.
Structural Rules
None of the solar installations are impervious to structural rules that ensure that a system will remain safe, sturdily mounted, and durable. This includes taking a closer look at the:
Roof Load Capacity: The roof of your building is not just the top of the building, it is the base of your solar array. It requires the strength to support the additional weight of panels, racking, and hardware without fatigue. If the structure cannot support the load, you're signing up for cracks, leaks or worse later on. Natural to know now than learn in the first storm.
Wind Resistance: Panels can appear "low profile," but to wind? They're enormous sails. This is why your mounting system requires enough strength to withstand known local wind speeds without movement. Whether you are on some idyllic coastline with wind, or in some area with unpredictable gusts, this is not a box you want to checkbox-it is the difference between clipped down and blown down.
Snow Loads: Areas with snow should also consider that the mounting system must support both the panel weight, plus the added weight of built-up snow.
Think about the rails early. The greatest span they can tolerate is not an option-it has to be a top-of-mind part of structure. Build-in the design from Day One, and you'll nail safety, code, and get the AHJ on your side.
Safety and Quality Protocols
Safety is not just a box you check-it is the entire design. Quality is the adhesive that holds component parts of every fastener, panel, wire, etc. Nothing in solar design is intuitive. Everything has to be tight. Clean. By rule.
Which rule? Officially, the National Electrical Code—aka the NEC. It is as common rule as the NCAA is a playbook for players. Construe it as the Good Book of electrical safety in the U.S. You want your install to go the distance, get past the inspection, and not, you know… combust. Then every wire, junction box and panel, must comply with the NEC. There are no exceptions. There are no shortcuts. This is how pros keep it safe, and keep it smart.
Quality and safety standards to keep in mind during solar install:
Correct Grounding & Bonding
Correct Wire Sizing AND Overcurrent Protection
Safety devices such as safety disconnects and rapid-shutdown devices are properly installed
Fire safety requirements such required setbacks and clearances are compliant
Bottom line? Good solar design isn't just stacking solar panels on a roof (and done) design takes intentional thought, planning, and a level of respect for the regulations, design specs, structural load limits, local codes, etc. Oh, and the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) gets the final say so you better be nice.
When all those parts come together - safety is not an afterthought - the design fits the site and the install passes every inspection with zero red, you receive more than just an installation - you have a lasting, high-performing, real deal solution built to last. That is what you want. Every time.
Solar Power Systems and Storage
Energy Storage System (ESS) Requirements
Energy storage systems are an important component of some solar power systems because they help ensure reliable energy production, even when the sun is not shining. When adding an ESS to a solar power system, especially for large systems, there are additional safety codes and standard requirements to take into consideration.
NFPA 855 Compliance: think of this as the rule book safeguarding energy storage systems (ESS) so they stay safe and sound. It outlines what to do during installation, operational use and maintenance to maintain dependable operation over time. Large systems—for all storage technologies—would require NFPA 855 to take effect, and along with the installation process, provides spacing requirements of: 3 ft for every 50 KWhs of storage. So yes…spacing isn't just an emergency suggestion, it's keeping things cool, controlled, and compliant.
Certifications: Not all batteries—and/or storage technologies—are created equal—don't just pick the first battery off the shelf. Look for the required serious certifications, like UL 9540A (aka the thermal runaway stress test). Remember, it's not a logo or fancy mark, it's the green/red sign-off that the system CAN handle the pressure and not melt down catastrophically. These standards exist for a reason, not only to protect your investment, but more importantly prove your ESS input DOES NOT WASTE AWAY from heat…frankly, literally.
Local AHJ Coordination: Your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) is not just another regulatory speed bump for your system. Coordinate with the AHJ from the beginning. If the ESS achieves all of the proper certifications—including test results—they may actually approve a spacing preference considering larger scale systems! Communication, compliance, and keeping projects above board.
Getting rooftop solar and energy storage right is more than just sticking some panels on roofs and battery inverters. When building owners and contractors sit down together and plan ahead, they can develop something that is effective. Really effective. Safe, streamlined, effective, and fully compliant. That kind of collaboration makes a good idea a permanent solution that works.
Questions of the Sea
What is the role of an AHJ in solar installations?
The ahj (Authority Having Jurisdiction) is the keeper of your solar project. It is how local-but-safety-code agrees…and their permitting requirements. Their permitting approval is the last line of sight. Upon their review and said „We like it´, your project can be constructed. If all plan elements meet their expectation, green lights can lead the journey you were about to take. Off the bandwagon? All work stops.
How can I determine the cost associated with AHJ approval for solar projects?
The local ahj replacing popping in your local code? Sure, it gonna cost, but what depends on the community where the business is came from or whatever kind of project it was. Some projects are tiny and/or don't incur cost. Others? Not so bad. Circumventing our locality's ahj a bit--what type of ahj - see the local ahj's permit fees and requirements on the ahj's webpage; they should usually talk about it.
Or, looking for the quick-win? An ahj calculator could save you some time. Enter your project location and permit description, and it should provide an approximate estimate. Not completely accurate, but approximately gives you distance to surprise until you pursue your research.
What requirements must a solar system meet for AHJ certification?
Being „certified" by the electric ahj is not a rubber stamp, but it is following their requirements. For example, following local codes, structural requirements–like max rail spans, wiring it all in accordance to code, and except doing fire safety validation.
What is key, none actually use a code, just kind of organized differently depending on the ahj. Some could probably have somewhat of a blank check the items outside "the code". So it's preferable to have a couple foundational reminders to ahj at any given point. At least, with engages to ahj.
Where can installers find information on local AHJs for solar project compliance?
Installers should look at local ahj's as soon as possible through some ahj archives - like the Orange Button AHJ registry or calling the local building department, or any office that contracts with the ahj. Follow ahj of workstation, and don't loose patience in the development approvals, and the adjustments needed throughout the permitting process are in accordance to local code.