The following information has been prepared to assist with the building permit requirements for the installation of solar panels as part of a photovoltaic (PV) or solar hot water (SHW) system on a new or existing building.
Solar panel installations impose additional loads on the roof framing that may exceed the roof structures original design. To ensure a building is structurally acceptable for the installation of solar panels a registered professional qualified in structural engineering will be required to evaluate the buildings structural capacity and attachment of the panels to the structure.
The following information is required at the time of permit application:
- Building Permit Application
- Title search (must be dated within 30 days of the application date)
- Agent authorization form (if applicable)
- Details of the solar panel installation, including components and manufacturers specifications
- Roof plan to show solar panel loads and anchoring details signed and sealed by a structural engineer complete with letters of assurance
- For non-solar ready trusses, we require a sealed engineer's report confirming the existing structure is safe to use as support for the installation of solar panels
Please note: A Schedule C-B is required to complete the building permit.
Electrical permits for the electrical aspects of the solar panel installation are obtained through Technical Safety BC.