Solar Permits in Texas
Texas is one of the most solar-friendly states in the country. But you still need permits. Here's what to expect and how the process works.
The Permit Overview
Ground mount solar in Texas typically requires three things: a building permit, an electrical permit, and utility interconnection approval. The good news? Your installer handles most of this. The paperwork is their job. Your job is signing where they tell you to sign.
That said, understanding the process helps you set realistic timelines and know what questions to ask. Permits don't take long in most Texas jurisdictions, but they're not instant either.
Building Permits
A ground mount solar system is a structure. Not a building, but a structure that requires a permit in most Texas jurisdictions. The building permit covers:
- Foundation design: How the racking attaches to the ground—driven posts, concrete piers, or ballast systems.
- Structural engineering: Verification that the system can withstand wind loads. Texas building codes typically require designs that handle 90-110 mph winds depending on location.
- Setback compliance: Confirmation that the system meets required distances from property lines and structures.
- Height restrictions: Verification that the system doesn't exceed local height limits for accessory structures.
The permit application includes site plans showing where the array goes, engineering drawings of the racking system, and specifications for all major components. Your installer prepares all of this.
Cost: Building permit fees range from $100-$400 in most Texas jurisdictions, sometimes based on project value.
Electrical Permits
Solar systems produce electricity. That means electrical permits and inspections. The electrical permit covers:
Wiring from panels to inverter
DC wiring that carries power from the solar panels to the inverter. Must meet code for wire gauge, conduit, and connection methods.
Inverter installation
The inverter converts DC power from panels to AC power for your home. Installation must meet manufacturer specifications and local code requirements.
Connection to main panel
How the solar system ties into your home's electrical panel. This requires proper breaker sizing, labeling, and sometimes panel upgrades.
Disconnects and safety equipment
Required safety switches that allow the system to be shut down for maintenance or emergencies. Includes rapid shutdown systems required by current code.
Trenching and underground wiring
The conduit running from the array to your house. Must be buried at the proper depth (typically 18-24 inches) and protected from damage.
Electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician in Texas. Your solar installer either employs licensed electricians or subcontracts this portion of the work.
Cost: Electrical permit fees typically run $75-$200.
Inspections
Permits require inspections. For ground mount solar, expect two to three inspection visits:
Foundation inspection
Before panels go up. Inspector verifies foundation work matches approved plans. Sometimes combined with rough electrical inspection.
Rough electrical inspection
Before trenches are backfilled. Inspector checks underground conduit routing, depth, and connections.
Final inspection
After everything is installed. Inspector verifies complete installation matches plans, all safety equipment is in place, and system is ready for operation.
Your installer schedules inspections and is present for them. You don't need to be home, though it doesn't hurt. If something fails inspection (rare with experienced installers), the installer fixes it and reschedules.
Utility Interconnection
Your solar system connects to the grid. The utility company needs to know about it and approve the connection. This process is called interconnection.
What the Utility Reviews
- System size: Residential systems under 25kW typically have simplified approval processes. Larger systems face more scrutiny.
- Grid capacity: Can the local grid handle your export? Usually yes for residential, but utilities check anyway.
- Safety equipment: Verification that anti-islanding protection is in place. This prevents your system from backfeeding the grid during an outage.
- Metering: Whether you need a new meter or reconfiguration of your existing meter to track both consumption and production.
Texas operates on a deregulated electricity market in most areas. Your Retail Electric Provider (REP) handles billing, but the Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU) handles the physical connection. Your installer navigates this complexity.
Timeline: Interconnection approval takes 2-4 weeks in most cases. Some utilities are faster, some slower. ERCOT (the Texas grid operator) has standardized processes that help.
Cost: Application fees range from $0 to $200 depending on the utility. Some charge nothing, others charge a nominal fee.
Permission to Operate
After inspection passes and the utility approves interconnection, you receive Permission to Operate (PTO). This is the green light to turn on your system.
Do not turn on your system before PTO. Running a solar system before utility approval can result in fees, required system modifications, or in extreme cases, disconnection. Your installer knows this and won't energize the system early.
Once you have PTO, flip the switch. Your system starts producing power and your electric bills start dropping.
HOA and Deed Restrictions
Texas law protects your right to install solar. Property owners' associations cannot prohibit solar devices outright. But they can impose reasonable restrictions on:
- Placement: HOAs may restrict solar to side or rear yards, require setbacks from fences, or limit visibility from the street.
- Aesthetics: Requirements for screening, landscaping around panels, or matching equipment colors to existing structures.
- Approval process: Many HOAs require architectural review and approval before installation begins.
Key legal points under Texas Property Code Section 202.010:
- • HOAs cannot prohibit solar energy devices
- • HOAs cannot require placement that significantly increases cost
- • HOAs cannot require placement that significantly decreases efficiency
- • HOAs must process applications within 60 days
If your HOA makes unreasonable demands, you have legal standing to push back. Most HOAs are reasonable once they understand the law.
Rural vs City Permits
Permit requirements vary dramatically depending on where you live in Texas.
City/Suburban
- • Full building permit required
- • Electrical permit required
- • Multiple inspections
- • Stricter setback requirements
- • HOA approval often needed
- • 2-4 week permit timeline
Rural/Unincorporated
- • May only need electrical permit
- • County requirements vary widely
- • Fewer inspections
- • More relaxed setbacks
- • Usually no HOA
- • Often faster approval
Some rural Texas counties have minimal permit requirements for residential solar. A few have almost none. Your installer knows local requirements and adjusts their process accordingly.
Realistic Timeline
From signing a contract to flipping the switch, expect 4-8 weeks for most residential ground mount installations in Texas. Here's how that breaks down:
Many of these steps overlap. Equipment is usually ordered while permits are being processed. Interconnection applications are submitted before installation is complete. Experienced installers run a tight process.
What You Actually Have to Do
Most of the permit process is handled by your installer. Your involvement:
- ✓Sign the installation contract (authorizes installer to pull permits on your behalf)
- ✓Provide property documents if requested (survey, deed, HOA contacts)
- ✓Sign HOA application if required
- ✓Sign utility interconnection application
- ✓Provide access for installation and inspections
Ready to start the process?
First, let's make sure ground mount fits your property.
Check Your Property