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Solar Panels

Before you install solar panels for your home or business, review the information on this page to ensure your project meets all building and safety code requirements.


Micro-Generation

The first step to installing solar panels is getting micro-generation system approval.

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. 


Permits

Find out which permits you need before starting your project. Permits ensure your work is safe, within City guidelines, and up to code.

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.

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

Homeowners can apply for a building permit once Electric Design has approved the micro-generation system.

Be sure to include the following 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
  • Evidence of Canadian approvals of the solar modules (CSA, ULC, Intertek, etc.)

An electrical permit is required for all solar installations.

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

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

  • Signed micro-generation approval from Electric Design

How to apply for permits

You can apply for building and electrical permits online with eApply.

Development permit applications are filled out and returned to Planning & Design.

If you don't have immediate access to a computer or internet, visit the Planning & Design counter on the first floor of City Hall. A Permit Technician can help you submit your application.

You can't apply for permits of any type until you get micro-generation approval from Electric Design.


Inspections

Any project that needs a permit also needs to be inspected. Learn about the different types of inspections and how to book yours.

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.

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

How to book an inspection

There are a few ways you can book an inspection:


Can't find what you're looking for?

Send an email to Planning & Design at planninganddesign@lethbridge.ca.

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