Solar Panels

Micro-generation is the production of power through a small-scale renewable source. This includes solar panels, wind turbines, and others. It lets applicants produce a portion or all of their residential or commercial yearly electrical energy consumption.

Micro-generation systems connect to the City of Lethbridge's distribution grid. 

Solar installations that occupy land space on a parcel must get development approval.

Rooftop and wall-mounted solar panel installations do not need development approval.

Fill out a Development Permit Application, then submit it to planninganddesign@lethbridge.ca. If development approval is required for your project, you must get a Development Permit before applying for any other permits. If you are unsure, contact Planning & Design for more information.

An Electrical Permit is required for all solar installations and can only be obtained by a certified electrical contractor with a valid City of Lethbridge business licence.

Micro-generation approval from Electric Design and a signed Interconnection Agreement must be obtained before Building Inspections can issue an Electrical Permit.

For more information, go to Solar Energy and Micro-Generation.

A Building Permit is required for all rooftop and wall-mounted solar panel installations.

Homeowners or contractors can apply for a Building Permit once Electric Design has approved the micro-generation system. Use eApply to submit your application.

Be sure to include the following documents with your Building Permit application:

• Drawings that show where the solar modules will be located on the structure
• Drawings that show how the solar modules will be supported and anchored to the structure 

A rough-in is required prior to installation.

A Safety Codes Officer (SCO) will check your solar equipment for potential deficiencies before it's installed. Use the tips and information below to book your rough-in inspection. You should aim to book your rough-in for the same day as installation.

A final inspection is required prior to powering your system.

A Safety Codes Officer (SCO) will assess your solar installation. If it passes inspection, the SCO will give you a copy of the inspection report.

To power your system, you need to send a copy of your inspection report to Electric Design. After that, you can contact your energy provider to arrange your electricity compensation.

There are a few ways you can book an inspection:

• Use MyCity
• Use eInspection
• Email inspections@lethbridge.ca or call 403-320-3830

Here are some things to keep in mind when booking an inspection:

• You can book an inspection for weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding stat holidays
• Booking requests received before 1 p.m. will be scheduled for the next day
• Booking requests received after 1 p.m. will be scheduled for the day after next
• A homeowner, contractor, or appointed party must be on site to grant access for the inspector. If no one is there to facilitate entry, the inspector will leave a notice to reschedule on the door
• Individuals under 18 years old can’t grant access without supervision