Solar PV permit and utility interconnection checklist

A solar project needs a clean handoff between quote, design, permit, inspection, and utility interconnection. Keep those steps separate from energy-savings estimates.

Use this guide to organize solar quote review, permit documents, inspection timing, inverter checks, net-metering or self-generation forms, and utility interconnection steps.

When to use this guide

• A homeowner or business is comparing solar quotes and needs to know what electrical documents should be visible.
• A project includes net metering, self-generation, utility export, inverter settings, labels, disconnects, or monitoring.
• Battery-ready or battery-included solar is being discussed and the permit/interconnection path may change.

Inputs to gather

• Site address, utility account, existing service, meter type, roof or ground-mount location, and proposed system size.
• Module model, inverter model, optimizer or microinverter details, AC output current, DC string layout, and cold-weather voltage assumptions.
• Single-line diagram, site plan, labels, disconnects, monitoring, rapid-shutdown or product-specific instructions where applicable.
• Utility application, net-metering or self-generation forms, permit documents, inspection sequence, and commissioning notes.
• Battery, generator, transfer, or critical-load-panel interactions if included or planned later.

Project path matrix

Working checklist

• Confirm the project branch: A homeowner or business is comparing solar quotes and needs to know what electrical documents should be visible.
• Measure or photograph the first hard inputs: Site address, utility account, existing service, meter type, roof or ground-mount location, and proposed system size. Module model, inverter model, optimizer or microinverter details, AC output current, DC string layout, and cold-weather voltage assumptions.
• Record the decision basis: Net metering and self-generation rules vary by province and utility. Use current utility interconnection process, local authority requirements, product listings, and manufacturer instructions.
• Keep the handoff package together: Quote, equipment data sheets, single-line, site plan, string layout, inverter settings summary, and label plan.
• Stop before work proceeds if this applies: The system includes batteries, generator interaction, service upgrade, shared metering, commercial demand billing, or export limitation.

Workflow

1. Review the quote for equipment models, system size, AC output, production assumptions, and exclusions before signing.
2. Confirm which party prepares drawings, permit documents, utility forms, and inspection scheduling.
3. Use calculator handoffs for string voltage, inverter AC output current, and DC voltage drop only after product data is known.
4. Separate local electrical inspection from utility permission to interconnect or export.
5. Do not energize or export until the local process, inspection, and utility steps are complete.

Decision checkpoints

• Net metering and self-generation rules vary by province and utility.
• Cold-weather string voltage, inverter AC output, and service capacity can affect design review.
• Battery-ready marketing language is not the same as an approved storage or backup configuration.
• Production estimates are not electrical approval and should be separated from permit/interconnection documents.

Canada-specific checks

• Use current utility interconnection process, local authority requirements, product listings, and manufacturer instructions.
• Province and utility rules can change forms, size thresholds, fees, and timelines.
• Do not claim approval to connect, export, island, or operate from this checklist.

Project package to keep

• Quote, equipment data sheets, single-line, site plan, string layout, inverter settings summary, and label plan.
• Permit/inspection documents and utility interconnection or net-metering forms.
• Calculator outputs for string voltage, inverter AC current, and voltage drop with product assumptions.
• Battery or backup equipment documents if storage is included or future-ready.

Stop and get local review

• The system includes batteries, generator interaction, service upgrade, shared metering, commercial demand billing, or export limitation.
• The quote does not identify equipment models, AC output, DC string assumptions, or who handles permits and utility forms.
• The installer proposes energizing, exporting, or commissioning before the required local process is complete.

Questions to settle before work starts

• Which local authority, utility, property authority, product listing, or manufacturer instruction controls this solar pv and storage decision?
• Which inputs are measured from the field or nameplate, and which are still assumptions from a quote, drawing, or memory?
• Which part of the work will be concealed, energized, interconnected, or purchased before review if the sequence is not controlled?
• Which single assumption would change the equipment choice, installation path, cost, schedule, or inspection timing?
• Who will keep the final photos, calculator outputs, product documents, permit or utility records, and commissioning notes?

Use the related tools

• Use the Solar String Voltage Calculator for cold-weather string voltage screening.
• Use the Solar Inverter AC Output Current Calculator for AC current context.
• Use the PV DC Voltage Drop Distance Calculator when long DC runs are part of the design discussion.

Public reference starting points

• BC Hydro self-generation application - Utility self-generation workflow example.
• Hydro One net metering - Ontario utility net-metering entry point.
• OEB net metering - Regulator context for Ontario net metering.

Local standards and authority note

Confirm PV design, permits, inspection, utility interconnection, product approvals, and net-metering requirements with current local sources.