Solar Panels

Micro-generation is the production of power through a small-scale renewable source. This includes solar panels, wind turbines, and others. It lets applicants produce a portion or all of their residential or commercial yearly electrical energy consumption.

Micro-generation systems connect to the City of Lethbridge's distribution grid. 

Solar installations that occupy land space on a parcel must get development approval.

Rooftop and wall-mounted solar installations don't need development approval.

Fill out a Development Permit Application and email it to planninganddesign@lethbridge.ca. If development approval is required, you must get a development permit before applying for any other permits. If you're unsure, contact Planning & Design for more information.

A building permit is required for all rooftop and wall-mounted solar panel installations.

Homeowners or contractors can apply for a building permit once Electric Design has approved the micro-generation system. Use eApply to submit your application.

Be sure to include the following documents with your building permit application:

• Drawings that show where the solar modules will be located on the structure
• Drawings that show how the solar modules will be supported and anchored to the structure 

An electrical permit is required for all solar installations.

Homeowners cannot perform solar system installations unless they are a certified electrician. A licensed professional contractor must get a permit and complete this work.

The solar electrical permit process is initiated by the micro-generation application through eApply. Once Electric Design grants micro-generation approval, you can complete your electrical permit application.

Be sure to include the following documents with your electrical permit application:

• Signed micro-generation approval from Electric Design
• Evidence of Canadian approvals of the solar modules (CSA, ULC, Intertek, etc.)
• Confirmation of racking and solar panel compatibility
• Single-line diagram
• Component specification sheets from the manufacturer

A rough-in is required prior to installation.

A Safety Codes Officer (SCO) will check your solar equipment for potential deficiencies before it's installed. Use the tips and information below to book your rough-in inspection. You should aim to book your rough-in for the same day as installation.

A final inspection is required prior to powering your system.

A Safety Codes Officer (SCO) will assess your solar installation. If it passes inspection, the SCO will give you a copy of the inspection report.

To power your system, you need to send a copy of your inspection report to Electric Design. After that, you can contact your energy provider to arrange your electricity compensation.

There are a few ways you can book an inspection:

• Use MyCity
• Use eInspection
• Email inspections@lethbridge.ca or call 403-320-3830

Here are some things to keep in mind when booking an inspection:

• You can book an inspection for weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding stat holidays
• Booking requests received before 1 p.m. will be scheduled for the next day
• Booking requests received after 1 p.m. will be scheduled for the day after next
• A homeowner, contractor, or appointed party must be on site to grant access for the inspector. If no one is there to facilitate entry, the inspector will leave a notice to reschedule on the door
• Individuals under 18 years old can’t grant access without supervision