So I’m Going Solar – Step 5: Permits, Plans & Paperwork (Oh My!)
So far, my solar journey has been about choosing the right company, analyzing my energy needs, and fixing my roof before installation. Now, I’ve hit another critical step—getting all the necessary permits and approvals before a single panel touches my roof.
And let me tell you—this isn’t just filling out a couple of forms.
The Permit Maze: Why You Can’t Skip This Step
If you’re picturing a quick online application where you check a few boxes and hit “submit,” think again. Going solar means navigating layers of approval from multiple entities:
? City Permits – The local government needs to review and approve the electrical, structural, and fire safety aspects of the system.
? Utility Interconnection Approval – APS must agree to let my system connect to the grid, and they don’t make it easy.
? HOA Sign-Off – Because some homeowners’ associations still think solar panels are a crime against aesthetics.
? Final Inspections – Even after installation, city inspectors must ensure everything was installed exactly as planned.
Skipping any of these steps? Not an option.
And even worse—if anything is missing or done incorrectly, you don’t just get a polite email asking for a small revision. You get rejected, and the whole process slows to a crawl.
This Isn’t Just Paperwork— To the inexperienced It’s like a Full-Blown Engineering Plan
Here’s the part I didn’t expect: Permits may require full-fledged technical design plans.
In MY case, before my solar company even applies for approval, they have to create and submit highly detailed system blueprints, including:
?? Measured Roof Layout – Mapping out exactly where each panel will go, down to the inch.
?? Electrical Schematics – Showing how the system connects to my home and the grid safely.
?? Material Lists – Every panel, inverter, and mounting component has to be documented.
? Load Calculations – Ensuring my system won’t overload my electrical panel.
?? Fire & Safety Compliance – Making sure my home isn’t at risk and emergency access is preserved.
These plans are so in-depth that even if I wanted to try submitting them myself, I’d probably still be watching YouTube tutorials in 2026.
Thankfully, my solar company is handling all of it.
And they don’t just submit it blindly—they share the entire plan with me first so I know exactly what’s happening before they move forward.
Why Letting Experts Handle Permits Matters
Here’s why I’m relieved to not be doing this myself:
?? One tiny mistake = rejection. City and utility companies don’t have time for errors, and even minor technical details can send the entire application back to square one.
? Delays cost money. If approvals take too long, my solar installation is delayed, which means I keep paying full price for electricity while my system sits in limbo.
?? They already know the approval timelines. My solar company tracks average permit approval times in Surprise, AZ, and submits things in a way that keeps the process moving efficiently.
?? They handle any revisions. If something needs adjusting (which happens), I don’t have to figure it out—they do.
Why This Matters for My Solar Loan
There’s one more reason I need this process to go smoothly: timing my solar loan payments.
Most lenders defer the first payment for 90 days to allow time for installation. That’s great—but if permitting drags out and installation gets delayed, I could end up:
? Paying full price for electricity.
? Starting my solar loan payments.
? Not actually using my solar system yet.
Fortunately, in my case my lender allows extensions on the deferment if delays pop up—that not common. Still, a fast and efficient permitting process means I start saving on my power bill sooner.
Final Thoughts: Permits Are a Hassle, But I Don’t Have to Deal With Them
Let’s be real—if I had to do this myself, I’d probably still be stuck on Step 1.
Instead, my solar company is handling:
? Creating a professional, city-approved system design.
? Submitting everything to the right departments (without missing details).
? Tracking approval timelines to keep the process moving.
? Ensuring I don’t end up paying extra for delays.
And best of all? I just get updates when things are approved—I don’t have to spend hours stressing over paperwork.
Now, onto the next step: Installation.
Stay tuned for Part 6! ??
Ever dealt with city permits? Was it a nightmare, or did someone handle it for you? Drop a comment below! ??
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