Solar Panels

A permit is required before you install or significantly modify solar panels or photovoltaic systems that are:

• Roof‑mounted (residential or commercial)
• Ground‑mounted (behind front yard or within the property)
• Grid‑tied with connection to utility lines
• Integrated into mechanical or electrical systems

Solar panel systems involve electrical and structural elements, so you may need:

• Electrical Permit
• Building/Structural Review
• Micro‑Generation Approval (if you plan to export to the grid), more information available on the Utilities - Solar Energy and Micro-Generation webpage

Perform minor maintenance or repairs to existing solar installations that do not alter electrical wiring or structure.

For systems that connect to the grid:

• Micro‑generation application or utility approval
• Net‑metering agreement with your power provider
• Where applicable, documentation showing compliance with connection standards

Learn about micro-generation and how to become a micro- generator, here.

Include the following with your electrical permit application:

• Property address and contact information
• Single‑line electrical diagram showing inverter, PV array, disconnects, meter, and utility connection
• Module and inverter specs (manufacturer and model numbers, ratings)
• Array layout (roof or ground), module tilt, orientation, and location relative to rafters

Provide:

• Roof slope and material type
• Structural support details if mounting on roof (engineer letter if required)
• Ground mount foundation details (if applicable)

Solar installations must comply with:

• Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) — wiring methods, conductors, disconnects
• Alberta Safety Codes Act requirements
• Manufacturer installation instructions
• Structural integrity standards for roof loads, wind, and snow loads

Disconnects and overcurrent protection must be labelled and accessible. Combustion air and mechanical systems must not be obstructed by panels.

Micro‑generation refers to small‑scale electricity generation (typically renewable) located at the point of consumption (e.g., your home or business), often tied to the grid.

Micro‑Generation Requirements

• Residential PV systems up to a defined capacity (often ≤10 kW) may qualify for simplified interconnection and net‑metering arrangements.
• Commercial or larger systems require utility agreement and may be subject to additional standards.

Utility Interconnection

Before connecting to the electrical grid, you must:

1. Apply for micro‑generation interconnection with your local utility provider
2. Sign a net‑metering agreement (credits for excess generation)
3. Provide a copy of micro‑generation approval with your building/electrical permit

Micro‑generation approval ensures that your system can safely interface with the grid and comply with Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) and utility technical requirements.

Learn about micro-generation and how to become a micro- generator, here.

Yes. Systems that alter electrical wiring, interconnect with the grid, or involve structural changes require permits.

Solar installations typically require a building permit for the structural mounting system and an electrical permit for the electrical connections and inverter.

Yes, provided the structure can support the systems and the installation meets code requirements.

Yes.  Grid connected systems typically require approval and an interconnection agreement with the local utility.  Homeowners, solar retailers, and non-electrical contractors can apply for an Interconnection Agreement via the Solar Micro-Generation Application.