Obtaining solar permits can feel like an exercise in patience and perseverance. Solar permit requirements often vary by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), the age and condition of the home, and the complexity and capacity of the solar energy system. However, successfully navigating the solar permit process is essential for contractors. In particular, meeting the solar engineering requirements for permits can be daunting and expensive.
Some AHJs require solar engineering reviews or stamps to obtain permits. Some solar companies don’t have a licensed engineer on staff, so choosing a quality solar engineering firm can be a smart business move. GreenLancer has provided solar engineering services to contractors for over a decade, and we have extensive experience delivering plan sets, engineering stamps, and engineering reviews. Read on to learn from our experience how to meet solar engineering requirements without breaking the bank or delaying project timelines.
Understanding Solar Engineering Requirements
Solar engineering encompasses the technical aspects of designing and installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. This includes site assessment, solar system design, electrical and structural calculations, and ensuring compliance with all relevant codes and standards. The scope of solar engineering includes everything from the initial feasibility studies to the final inspection and solar permit approval by the AHJ.
The requirements for solar permits vary significantly by region. Solar installers must meet federal solar design requirements, including the National Electric Code (NEC) and national building codes, plus local and state requirements.
For example, in Dade County, Florida, solar engineering requirements are more stringent due to hurricane-related building codes. The AHJ requires robust solar structural designs and installation standards to ensure resilience against high winds and severe weather, exceeding typical national or state regulations.
Understanding location-specific solar engineering regulations is crucial to avoiding project delays, increased costs, and even legal issues. Before designing a solar energy system, it’s essential to understand the codes in the given location. Many AHJs post their solar permitting requirements on their websites, or else calling or emailing may be necessary.
“The most challenging part of my work is researching and incorporating local AHJ and utility requirements into each project,” explains Chad Buccine, a professional Jolt Engineering engineer licensed in 17 states. “It is very costly to learn of these items from the inspector once the system is already installed.”
Solar engineering requirements vary significantly depending on location and project. “Building departments tend to require professional engineer involvement in projects as the complexity of the project increases,” explains Chad. “In some states, it’s rare to involve a professional engineer in a residential solar project, whereas it’s pretty common in others. For commercial solar energy projects though, it’s a pretty common request across the U.S. to have an electrical engineer and/or structural engineer on the design team. Most AHJs require both due to the greater risk to human life.”
The Role of a Solar Engineer
A solar engineer is pivotal in successfully permitting projects requiring engineering reviews or stamps. Their primary responsibility is to design compliant solar systems that meet all regulatory standards for the given location while maximizing solar energy production and minimizing project costs.
A key aspect of a solar engineer's role is ensuring structural and electrical safety by following building and electrical codes. This includes verifying that the roof or other mounting surfaces can support the weight of the solar panels and withstand environmental conditions such as wind and snow loads. Additionally, solar engineers must ensure that the electrical components are properly integrated with the existing electrical system to prevent hazards and optimize performance.
Solar Engineering Requirements
Most solar engineering requirements fall into two basic categories.
Structural Engineering
Roof Integrity: Assessing the roof's ability to support the weight of solar panels and mounting systems. This includes evaluating roof type, age, and condition.
Load Calculations: Ensuring that the roof or mounting structure can handle the additional load imposed by the solar system, including wind and snow loads.
Mounting Systems: Designing and installing secure mounting systems that adhere to local codes and are resilient to environmental conditions.
Electrical Engineering
System Design: Designing an electrical system that integrates with the existing electrical infrastructure and meets local codes and standards.
Wiring and Components: Using appropriate wiring and components to ensure safety, efficiency, and code compliance. This includes selecting proper wire gauges, connectors, and circuit breakers.
Inverter Installation: Installing solar inverters that convert DC power generated by the solar panels into AC power for use in the home, ensuring they meet performance and safety standards.
Common Solar Engineering Requirements
Although AHJ requirements vary significantly, these are some of the most common solar permitting requirements for residential and light commercial solar projects. GreenLancer specializes in helping solar contractors meet solar design and engineering requirements, and we offer the following solar engineering services for residential, commercial, and utility projects. Create an account to begin shopping for solar design and engineering services.
Structural Engineering
It involves designing and ensuring the stability and durability of solar mounting systems and support structures for solar panels, so they withstand environmental forces over time and comply with codes.
Structural Engineering Review
Design Evaluation: A comprehensive review of the structural design to confirm that the solar panel installation will not compromise the integrity of the building’s structure.
Load Assessment: Ensuring that the roof or mounting surface can support the additional weight and stresses imposed by the solar system.
Structural Engineering Analysis
Load Calculations: Performing detailed calculations to evaluate the impact of the solar panels, considering factors such as wind and snow loads.
Structural Integrity: Assessing whether the existing structure can handle the new load and identifying any necessary reinforcements or modifications.
Structural Engineering Letter
Professional Certification: A written statement from a licensed engineer confirming that the solar system design has been reviewed and meets all safety and regulatory requirements.
Compliance Documentation: Provides evidence that the structural aspects of the solar installation comply with local building codes.
Structural Engineering Stamp
Engineer's Seal: A licensed engineer's official stamp or seal certifying that the design and analysis have been reviewed and comply with building codes and standards.
Legal Requirement: Often required for permit approval, ensuring the installation meets all structural safety standards.
Electrical Engineering
It involves designing and implementing electrical systems that connect solar panels to the grid or battery storage, ensuring efficient energy conversion, safety, and compliance with electrical codes.
Electrical Engineering Review
Solar Design Evaluation: A thorough review of the electrical design to ensure the solar system’s integration with the home’s electrical infrastructure is safe and compliant with codes.
Component Assessment: Evaluating electrical components such as wiring, solar inverters, and disconnects for proper installation and operation.
Electrical Engineering Analysis
System Compatibility: Analyzing the electrical system to ensure it can handle the additional load and that all components are properly sized and installed.
Code Compliance: Verifying that the electrical design adheres to national and local electrical codes and safety standards.
Electrical Engineering Letter
Professional Certification: A written statement from a licensed engineer confirming that the electrical design and installation meet all regulatory and safety requirements.
Documentation of Compliance: Provides formal assurance that the electrical aspects of the solar system have been reviewed and approved.
Electrical Engineering Stamp
Engineer’s Seal: An official stamp or seal from a licensed engineer certifying that the electrical design and analysis comply with relevant codes and standards.
Permit Requirement: Often necessary for permit approval, confirming that the electrical components and design have been professionally evaluated and deemed safe.
Meeting Solar Engineering Permit Requirements
Most solar contractors meet solar engineering requirements in-house or by hiring a specialized solar engineering firm like GreenLancer.
In-House Solar Engineering
Pros:
Integration: Easier integration with other departments and projects within your organization.
Cost Efficiency: Potentially lower long-term costs if you have existing staff with the right skills and engineering licenses.
Control: Greater control over the project and immediate access to your team if they have the time availability.
Cons:
Skill Gaps: Requires specialized knowledge and ongoing training, which may not be available internally.
Resource Allocation: Diverts resources from other important tasks or projects.
Complexity: Managing compliance, regulations, and project specifics can be challenging without dedicated expertise and the required engineering licenses.
Scalability: In-house team may not be able to scale up as the business grows, creating a lag time in completing engineering reviews and analysis.
Licensing Challenges: Solar engineers must be licensed in the states where they operate, making it difficult for solar contractors to expand into new states.
Initial Investment: High initial costs for hiring and training specialized staff.
Time-Consuming: Establishing an in-house team and keeping them up-to-date with the latest industry standards and regulations can be time-consuming.
Risk of Turnover: Potential loss of investment if trained employees leave the company.
Limited Perspective: In-house teams might lack exposure to diverse projects and innovative solutions that external engineering firms encounter.
Hiring a Solar Engineering Firm
Some advantages and disadvantages of using an engineering firm vary depending on the company and its experience with renewable energy.
Pros:
Expertise and Experience: Access to specialized knowledge and experience in solar permit requirements and regulatory compliance.
Speed & Efficiency: Faster project execution with firms like GreenLancer that are familiar with the latest solar technologies and best practices.
Regulatory Navigation: Quality solar engineering companies are adept at handling solar permits, engineering reviews, and solar engineering stamps.
Scalability: You can easily increase or decrease your project capacity without hiring or firing solar engineers.
Risk Mitigation: Reduce the risk of non-compliance with evolving regulations, as quality solar engineering firms are constantly updated on industry changes.
Cost Predictability: Clear, predictable costs for solar engineering services without the overhead of maintaining a permanent in-house team.
Advanced Tools and Technology: Access to cutting-edge tools and software that might be too costly to invest in for an in-house team.
Quality Assurance: Solar engineering companies like GreenLancer have established quality control processes and can provide high quality assurance.
Flexibility: Ability to contract projects to solar engineering firms on a project-by-project basis, providing flexibility based on workload and project needs.
Networking and Relationships: Established solar design firms often have strong relationships with local AHJs, which can expedite the permitting and inspection process.
Focus on Core Competencies: Allows your organization to focus on its core strengths and operational activities while leaving the specialized solar energy engineering tasks to experts.
Professional Liability: Engineering firms carry professional liability insurance, protecting your company from potential legal and financial risks associated with engineering errors.
Time Savings: Reduce the time spent on recruiting, training, and managing an in-house engineering team.
Cons:
Less Control: Less direct oversight and potential delays in communication, making it important to use a solar engineering partner with good customer service.
Dependency: Relying on an external firm can lead to potential issues if the relationship is not managed well.
Choosing the Right Solar Engineering Company
Enjoying the benefits of using a solar engineering firm relies on careful selection. Start by evaluating the company's reputation through its track record and reviews from past clients. Verify that it holds the necessary licenses and certifications in the states where you operate.
Experience is another critical factor; prioritize firms with extensive experience in solar projects and a thorough understanding of local regulations. For example, some engineer firms specialize in other types of projects, not solar systems or battery storage. Therefore, they may have a slower turnaround time and higher costs.
Specialization in solar engineering is also important, as it indicates a deep understanding of the industry’s unique requirements. Reviewing the firm’s portfolio can provide insights into their ability to handle projects similar to yours, and asking for references from other solar installers can help you gauge satisfaction and identify any potential issues.
Streamlining the Solar Design and Engineering Process
Efficient project management is essential for streamlining the permit process. Engage with the engineering firm early in the project to identify potential challenges and develop proactive solutions. Maintain open and regular communication with all stakeholders, including the solar engineering firm, permitting authorities, and clients, to ensure everyone is aligned and informed. Understand the solar permitting and engineering requirements so you don’t invest in unnecessary solar engineering services.
Ensure all documentation is complete, accurate, and submitted on time to avoid delays. Use project management software to track progress, manage timelines, and keep all parties updated. The GreenLancer platform allows contractors to create and track projects and ensures all communication is well organized in one place.
Common Solar Engineering Challenges and Solutions
Design Revisions and Corrections
One of the most common challenges in the solar permitting process is handling design revisions and corrections based on feedback from AHJs. This feedback often requires revisions to ensure the project moves forward smoothly.
To effectively manage this, it’s essential to establish a streamlined process for incorporating feedback. This involves close communication with the AHJs to fully understand their requirements and preferences and having a flexible and responsive solar engineer who can quickly implement the necessary changes.
David DiRado, senior account manager at GreenLancer, explains how it works. “Design revisions with GreenLancer are very cut and dry. If the city rejects a permit design from us, given that there were design mistakes, we will not charge to correct our work, unlike many other solar engineering firms. If we make a mistake, we will rectify that mistake at no extra cost. But, if the city rejects a permit due to missing an electrical or structural engineering stamp that was not ordered, we can support it by offering the required services.”
Staying Updated with Regulatory Changes
The solar industry continually evolves, with new regulations and standards being introduced regularly. Staying updated with these changes is crucial to maintaining compliance and ensuring the success of your projects.
To stay current about new regulations, subscribe to solar industry newsletters, participate in webinars, and join professional organizations that provide updates on solar regulatory changes. Likewise, choosing a specialized solar engineering company ensures that this team is knowledgeable about the latest safety requirements and design standards.
Meeting Permit Requirements With Solar Engineers
Effective collaboration between installers and solar engineers is vital for successful solar projects. Solar engineers provide technical expertise and design solutions that comply with regulatory requirements, while installers bring practical insights and on-the-ground experience. Open communication and coordinated efforts between these teams help address challenges swiftly, ensure timely project completion, and maintain high-quality standards in solar installations.
GreenLancer was established in 2013 to accelerate the adoption of clean energy by streamlining the design and solar engineering process. We offer a variety of solar permit design and engineering services for contracts, saving time and money.
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