You're having solar panels installed at your home and have contracted with a company to do the work. At any time during the installation process, see what required steps have been taken by the City and your contractor.

• Check the plan review status on this online portal.
• Check on permits and inspections on this online portal.

Both are easy to use. Just enter the street address of the job.

Please read below the steps your contractor will follow to complete the job in accordance with City permit and inspection regulations and state requirements.*

Questions? Issues? Contact Development Services' electrical inspections office at 336-373-2459 or by email. 

Who Does What and When

After contracting with an installation company, your contractor must submit plans of the job to the City's Development Services Division. Refer to this Staff Contact list. When City staff approve the plans, your contractor will be given a City Building Permit.

Next, your contractor must apply to the City for an Electrical Permit for the installation.

After receiving both permits, your contractor is then responsible for contacting Development Services to schedule the electrical inspection and communicating to City staff any specific details the City inspector may need for the inspection (i.e. what times of the day you are available or how to reach you if needed). 

On the morning of the scheduled inspection, your contractor should have provided to the City inspector all NCDOI-required job documents (City approved plans, hard copy photos of the installation site above eight-feet, letter of depiction, etc.). 

Since all solar installations are different, this is what you can expect for your job:
   ~ If all work is outside, the inspector just needs your approval to inspect the exterior of your property.
   ~ If any work is to be done inside, the inspector will need access inside your property, including the attic. Your contractor will provide a proper ladder for the City inspector to access the attic.

When approved, the City inspector will let your utility company know there is an approved solar installation at that location. This is often referred to as 'releasing the meter.'

Lastly, your contractor must schedule with the City for a final building inspection and approval.

You can now begin using your new system.

* Throughout your installation, your contractor must adhere to the NC Department of Insurance's (NCDOI) inspection procedures for residential rooftop solar installations and approved electrical schematics.