Solar Information

Summit County encourages the use of renewable energy. This page will help anyone interested in installing solar photovoltaics (PV) panels or solar thermal in Summit County to better understand the permitting and inspection process here in the county.

Going Solar

Going solar not only reduces your electricity bill if you have photovoltaic (PV) or heating bill if you have solar thermal, but also helps to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions that negatively impact air quality. There are numerous resources to help you along. Solar Simplified has some good, in-depth information.

Steps

• Consult Solar Installation Process and Checklist (PDF) for Rocky Mountain Power customers and installers of solar PV systems.
• Obtain bids from a solar contractor. For a list of Utah solar contractors, please visit the Utah Solar Energy Association directory.
• Apply for Interconnection Agreement and Applications.
• Get an Summit County Building Permit (a Low-Impact Permit (PDF) may also be required if it is a ground-mounted system). Make sure your contractor has completed all steps in the Building Permit Application. Typically a permit is issued the same day, but no longer than 3 days time. All PV systems are considered from streamlined review.
• Install your system.
• Schedule a final electrical inspection, making sure that all of the items on the inspection checklist (PDF) are complete.
• Claim your Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit (expires December 31, 2021).
• Enjoy using your clean, locally-generated electricity.

Commercial & Residential Permits

• Solar PV Roof-Mount: If your solar PV installation will be under 15 kilowatts, you may qualify for the streamlined permitting application. Use the following document as your permit application if your system qualifies.
• Solar ABCs (PDF)
• If your system qualifies for the streamlined permitting application, Summit county will notify you of the decision of whether you receive the permit within 3 days of submitting a complete application.

Fees

Alternative Energy Permits: These permits are separate from the permits issued for new construction. These permits include, but are not limited to, hot water, photovoltaic, geo­ thermal, and wind generated power.

• Photovoltaic System: $388.50 - Fee waived until December 31, 2020.
• Geo-Thermal: $500
• Solar Hot Water: $250
• Wind Generator: $250

Inspections

This PV Inspection Checklist (PDF) can be used as a guideline for what the inspector will be looking for during a final inspection. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and your specific situation may warrant additional items. The County employs six trained and certified inspectors. When you call the building department an inspection time will be scheduled which can typically be achieved within 5 business days and no more than 10.