Service overview
To install, replace, repair, renew, or alter solar panels, you need the appropriate permits:
- An Electrical Permit.
- A Building Permit for Solar Panels and Structure, if the project is not eligible for an EZ permit.
The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues these permits.
Before you apply for a permit, you need to submit a private solar interconnection application to PECO. This will allow you to connect to the power grid.
Who
Any property owner or their authorized agent can apply for these permits. Authorized agents may include:
- Licensed electrical contractors.
- PA design professionals.
- Attorneys.
- Licensed expediters.
Requirements
EZ permits are available for some solar panel projects. EZ permits don’t require you to get a Building Permit or submit plans. Your project is eligible for an EZ permit if it meets these criteria:
- Solar panels will be installed on the roof of a one-or-two family dwelling.
- The system is 10kW or less in size.
- The property is not included on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places.
- The project complies with all other conditions of the EZ Permit Standards for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Installations.
Projects that comply with the EZ permit standards only require an Electrical Permit. If your project does not meet the EZ permit standards, you’ll need to get an Electrical Permit and a Building Permit, in addition to submitting plans.
Learn more about these requirements:
Cost
Fee types that may apply
Filing fee
- One- or two-family dwellings: $25
- All other occupancy types: $100
The filing fee will be credited towards the final permit fee. This fee is nonrefundable and must be turned in with your application.
Permit fee
Electrical Permit fee
$25 per $1000, or fraction thereof, of estimated electrical construction cost.
You can subtract array and inverter equipment costs from the total construction cost to calculate the permit fee. You must provide a summary of the array and inverter costs. Otherwise, the permit fee will be calculated based on the total cost.
Building Permit for Solar Panels and Structure fee: $200
Surcharges
- City surcharge: $3 per permit
- State surcharge $4.50 per permit
Record retention fee
$4 per plan. This fee applies only when plans are required and submitted in-person.
Accelerated Plan Review fee (optional)
Applications for new construction that include permit plans are eligible for expedited review. Accelerated applications are reviewed within five business days.
The fee is $1050:
- $350 is due when you apply.
- You must pay the remaining $700 once approved.
To apply, submit an Accelerated Plan Review Request form with your permit application. Accelerated review fees will not be credited toward your final permit fee.
Payment methods and details
Accepted payment methods
| Where | Accepted payment |
|---|---|
| Online through the eCLIPSE application
(There is a $500,000 limit for online payments.) |
|
| In person at the Permit and License Center in the Municipal Services Building |
|
| In person at the Cashier’s Station in the Municipal Services Building
(Items paid at the Cashier’s Station will be mailed within five business days.) |
|
Credit and debit card payments
Surcharges and fees are applied automatically to all credit and debit card transactions.
Checks and money orders
Check requirements
- Make all checks and money orders payable to the “City of Philadelphia.”
- The individual or company listed on the check must be listed on the application.
- Personal checks are accepted.
- Checks and money orders must have issue dates within 12 months of the transaction.
Reasons your check may be rejected
L&I will not accept checks that are missing depository information or are:
- Unsigned.
- Expired.
- Post-dated.
- Starter checks without account info.
Returned payment policy
If your check is returned unpaid for insufficient or uncollected funds:
- You will be charged a $20 fee for collection.
- You authorize the City of Philadelphia or its agent to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account to collect this fee directly.
- The City of Philadelphia or its agent may re-present your check electronically to your depository institution for payment.
- If the City is unable to obtain payment, the license, permit, or appeal application will be void.
- You cannot take any additional action under a permit until you have paid all fees.
- The permit or license will be revoked if the outstanding fees are not paid within 30 days.
- You cannot file or obtain additional permits until you resolve the outstanding debt.
Late license payment
If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.
Where & when
Online
You can apply online using eCLIPSE.
If you need help filing your application online, you can schedule a virtual appointment.
In person
You need an appointment to visit the Permit and License Center in person.
Permit and License Center
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
MSB, Public Service Concourse
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Office hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Offices close at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.
How
You can apply for this permit in person at the Permit and License Center or online using eCLIPSE.
In person
The application type determines how long it will take to issue your permit:
- Applications for an EZ permit (for projects that comply with the EZ permit standard): same day, while you wait.
- All other applications: within 20 business days.
- If you submitted plans with your permit application, you can accelerate the review for an additional fee. Accelerated plan reviews are completed within five business days.
If your application is not approved, you’ll receive an email stating what is missing or required. If you submit revisions, they will be reviewed within 20 business days.
Before a permit can be issued, the contractor must be identified on your application and confirm association with the project.
Contact your licensed electrical inspection agency when your contractor is ready to start work.
The agency must complete an inspection certification.
L&I will issue a Certificate of Approval when all required inspections have been successfully completed.
Online
If you’re applying as a licensed professional or contractor, you must first associate your license or registration with your online account.
If your project qualifies for an EZ permit
Apply for an Electrical Permit and select “Comply with EZ standard”.
Upload a signed copy of the EZ permit standard, the PECO interconnection application, and the contract with a licensed electrical contractor.
If your project doesn’t qualify for an EZ permit
- Apply for an Electrical Permit. Upload a copy of the PECO interconnection application and the contract with a licensed electrical contractor.
- Apply for a Building Permit for Solar Panels and Structure: Select the “Solar” under “Construction (miscellaneous)” on the eCLIPSE permit menu page.
The application type determines how long it will take to issue your permit. Allow an additional business day for pre-processing.
- Applications for an EZ permit (for projects that comply with the EZ permit standard): within 3 business days.
- All other applications: within 20 business days.
- If you submitted plans with your permit application, you can accelerate the review for an additional fee. Accelerated plan reviews are completed within five business days.
If your application is not approved, you’ll receive an email stating what is missing or required. If you submit revisions, they will be reviewed within 20 business days.
Before a permit may be issued, the contractor must be identified on your application and confirm association with the project.
Contact your licensed electrical inspection agency when your contractor is ready to start work.
The agency must complete an inspection certification.
L&I will issue a Certificate of Approval when all required inspections have been successfully completed.