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Solar Permitting at Scale: Best Practices for 2026

December 15, 20259 min read

The Solar Permitting Challenge

Solar installers face unique challenges:

  • High volume (10-100+ permits/month)
  • Tight margins requiring efficiency
  • Varying requirements by jurisdiction
  • Utility interconnection complexity
  • Standardization is Key

    Create Template Packages

    For each jurisdiction, maintain:

  • Standard plan set templates
  • Pre-filled application forms
  • Common calculation packages
  • Batch Processing

    Group similar projects:

  • Same jurisdiction
  • Same equipment
  • Same mounting type
  • Technology Stack

    Modern solar companies use:

  • **Design software** - Aurora, Helioscope
  • **CRM** - Track customer journey
  • **Permit tracking** - PlanReview
  • **Project management** - Coordinate installs
  • Common Comment Categories

  • **Structural** - Roof load, attachment details
  • **Electrical** - NEC compliance, rapid shutdown
  • **Fire** - Setbacks, access pathways
  • **Utility** - Interconnection requirements
  • Scaling Tips

  • Hire dedicated permit coordinators
  • Create jurisdiction-specific playbooks
  • Track metrics (approval rate, cycle time)
  • Build relationships with key jurisdictions
  • PlanReview helps solar teams manage hundreds of permits across jurisdictions. [See how](/auth/signup).

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