Installation of Solar Panels
The following checklist is intended to promote sustainable development standards for installation of solar panels on private property in Metro Nashville & Davidson County.
“Electrical Photovoltaic (PV) System” Permit Checklist
The pre-submittal checklist below contains the minimum information and project plan details required for submission to the Metropolitan Department of Codes and Building Safety when applying for a permit to install a solar photovoltaic (PV) system. The intent of this checklist is to provide transparent and well-defined information to increase permit application quality and to accelerate the application and review process.
Codes and Design Criteria
Most single-family Photovoltaic installation systems are accomplished by fixing solar panels to the sloped planes of the roof of one’s home. The panel weight of these systems is often less than 3 pounds per square foot, which most residential roof surfaces in good condition can support. For larger commercial building installations and other structures that have flat roofs, a licensed architect or engineer must approve the installation plans prior to submission to verify the proposed fixture method complies with applicable safety measures such as a wind resistance and is otherwise safe and suitable for the subject building design and structure.
Solar energy panels are not restricted within Metropolitan base zoning districts, although parcels subject to certain overlays or historical registries should consult the relevant Metropolitan department(s) to confirm the proposed panel placement plan fits within the applicable design standards.
Required Permits
Your contractor will submit an application for a Electrical Photovoltaic Permit (“CAEP” permit subtype when using Metro Nashville epermits system) to the Metropolitan Department of Codes and Building Safety, along with supporting documents as indicated below.
Additional application approval will be conducted separately with the Nashville Electric Service. For more information about their requirements, please visit Renewable Energy (Nashville Electric Service).
Additional Required Documents
Residential Installation Projects
Verification of Structural Capacity:
A plans examiner will review the submitted documents which show that the roof or other installation site has adequate carrying capacity to support the additional load of your Photovoltaic equipment.
Site/Roof Plan:
A site plan showing the location on the dwelling or other structure should be drawn to scale and show the proposed panel layout, as well as the setbacks and walking paths required by code.
Commercial Installation Projects
Site/Roof Plan:
A plan should be drawn to scale and show the proposed panel layout, setbacks, walking paths, and design standards which comply with the applicable codes. Photovoltaic installation plans for commercial and office structures should include panel layout plans and details affixed with the seal of a licensed professional architect or engineer.
Electrical Diagram:
Electrical diagram/worksheets should show Photovoltaic system configuration, wiring system, overcurrent protection, inverter, disconnects, required signs, and connection to the building.
Specification sheets and installation manuals (if available):
Spec sheets and manuals for all manufactured components such as Photovoltaic modules, inverter(s), combiner box, disconnects, and mounting system should be included with the permit application for reference by the electrical permit specialist reviewing your application.
Contractor Requirements
The Codes Department requires installation be performed by a licensed and experienced electrical installer in order to ensure all duly adopted Safety, Building, Fire, and Electrical Codes are properly adhered. Contractors who are licensed and bonded with the State of Tennessee’s Department of Commerce and Insurance, and registered with the Metropolitan Codes and Building Safety Administration, may apply for a permit to conduct your Photovoltaic system installation.
Permit Fees
In an effort to increase renewable energy in the Metropolitan area, permit fees for photovoltaic systems are far less than corresponding fees for new construction projects of comparable cost. Electrical Photovoltaic permits start at $75.00, and may increase marginally depending upon the fixture and equipment type specific to your plan.
Submit Permit Application
Approved contractors may submit the permit application online, and are advised to alert Codes Zoning and Plan Review staff of the permit application number after submission. This will assist your review process by bringing the permit to each respective office’s attention for commencement of their review processes.
Review Process Timeline
The Metropolitan Codes and Building Safety Administration is committed to providing a timely review of electrical Photovoltaic permit applications. Best efforts are made to review completed residential permit applications within 30 days of submission. While residential permits are often approved with a week, whereas commercial site permits tend to be larger projects are more involved, and the standard review period may be slightly longer in order to ensure proper safety standards are adhered in the installation plan submitted prior to permit approval.
Certain circumstances which may prolong the permit turnaround time including:
- Applicant does not submit all required information
- Contractor applying for permit is not a licensed contractor
- Equipment is not listed or panel layout plan is not provided
Permit Status
To check your permit status you may do so at any time after it has been submitted at the following site: epermits.nashville.gov
Permit Expiration
All Photovoltaic permits expire six (6) months after the date of issuance. Failure commence work authorized by a permit within this six-month period renders the permit invalid and a new permit must be obtained. Once work begins, noticeable progress must continue until completion. A permit shall be invalidated if work so authorized is suspended or abandoned for a period of one year after commencement.
Scheduling an Inspection and the Inspection Process
E-Permits inspection scheduling with the Metropolitan Codes and Building Safety Administration will be coordinated by your contractor at the appropriate times as part of your installation process.
Electrical Inspection Request Phone Number: 615-862-6560
Contact Information
If you have any questions about this process, please feel free to email us at [email protected].
Address
Metro Codes & Building Safety Administration
Metro Office Building
800 Second Avenue South, 1st Floor
Nashville, TN 37210
Hours of Operation
Staff of the Metropolitan Codes and Building Safety Administration are available 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for observed Metro holidays.