Installing solar panels may seem like the heavy lifting, but getting the permit design right is what sets the entire project up for success. Whether you're dealing with residential rooftops or commercial builds, solar permit design is the critical step that ensures your plans meet all local codes, safety regulations, and utility requirements.

Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most common places where mistakes happen, and these errors can lead to frustrating delays, denied permits, or even fines. The good news? Most of these mistakes are avoidable.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common solar permit design mistakes installers make and how you can steer clear of them.

1. Incomplete Site Information

What Goes Wrong:

Skipping a thorough site assessment often results in designs that don’t reflect real conditions. You might miss things like roof obstructions, shading from nearby trees, or actual dimensions, which means your system may not fit or function as intended.

How to Avoid It:

Take the time to perform a detailed site survey. Use accurate tools—like drones, satellite imagery, or manual measurements and verify every aspect of the roof and electrical system.

2. Ignoring Local Building and Electrical Codes

What Goes Wrong:

Assuming that permit requirements are the same everywhere is a recipe for rejection. Every city or county may have slightly different codes, and not following them can lead to plan rejections or failed inspections.

How to Avoid It:

Before you finalize your design, research the requirements of the local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction). Better yet, work with a solar permit service that stays up to date with code changes across different regions.

3. Poor or Incorrect Electrical Diagrams

What Goes Wrong:

Electrical schematics that are unclear or non-compliant with the NEC (National Electrical Code) are one of the top reasons permit applications get sent back.

How to Avoid It:

Make sure your diagrams are precise, labeled clearly, and fully reflect your planned installation. If you’re not confident, have a licensed electrical engineer review or stamp the drawings.

4. Skipping Structural Analysis

What Goes Wrong:

Not accounting for structural loads, especially in areas with snow, wind, or older buildings, can cause major problems later. AHJs may reject your permit or require costly reinforcements.

How to Avoid It:

Always include a structural analysis, especially for roof-mounted systems. Work with a structural engineer to confirm that the roof can support the system.

5. Leaving Out Storage and EV Plans

What Goes Wrong:

Many solar systems today are paired with battery storage or EV charging. If you don’t include these in your initial design, you might need to reapply for new permits later.

How to Avoid It:

Even if the client isn’t installing storage or an EV charger now, plan with the future in mind. Ensure the system can handle upgrades later on.

6. Sloppy or Inconsistent Documentation

What Goes Wrong:

Permit officials see hundreds of applications. Unclear or messy plan sets slow everything down or lead to denial.

How to Avoid It:

Use professional templates and check every page for accuracy. A standardized process or using a permit design service can save you time.

7. Not Following Utility Requirements

What Goes Wrong:

Each utility company has different interconnection requirements. If your design doesn’t match theirs, you could be forced to start over.

How to Avoid It:

Always review and include utility-specific guidelines in your design. Check settings, disconnect locations, and required equipment.

Solar permit design isn’t just paperwork, it’s the foundation of a successful project. Clear, code-compliant designs help prevent delays, speed up approvals, and ensure smooth installations.

If permit design feels overwhelming or time-consuming, partnering with experienced professionals can help you focus on what you do best: installing solar.

Need help with fast, accurate solar permit designs? Our team delivers code-compliant, AHJ-ready plans tailored to your project. Contact us today to streamline your next solar installation!