Permit Glossary
Solar Permit
Also known as: solar PV permit, photovoltaic permit, solar installation permit
A permit required for the installation of rooftop or ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, covering both structural and electrical work.
A solar permit authorizes the installation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system on a residential or commercial property. Solar permits typically require both a structural review (roof load calculations, racking attachment) and an electrical review (inverter sizing, interconnection, net metering arrangement). In Texas, solar permits are issued at the municipal level, though the state has preempted certain restrictions that HOAs and municipalities can impose on solar installations under Texas Property Code Chapter 202. Utility interconnection approval is a parallel process handled separately by the electric utility.
Why it matters for contractors
Solar permit volume is a leading indicator of EV charger and panel upgrade installs on the same property — contractors in the solar, electrical, and storage trades can use solar permit data to identify homes entering the energy upgrade lifecycle.