Arizona Solar Permits 2026
Every Arizona solar installation requires a building permit, electrical permit, and utility interconnection application. Your installer handles all of it — here's what to expect, how long it takes, and what changed with HB2301 in 2026.
Permit Timeline
1–5 days
Interconnection
2–6 wks
Permit Fees
$94–$400
Law
HB2301
HB2301: Instant permitting required statewide as of January 1, 2026
Arizona HB2301 requires every city and county to offer an instant permitting path for residential solar installations. Municipalities that adopt SolarAPP+ (the NREL-developed automated review platform) can issue permits same-day for qualifying standard systems. Traditional plan review is still available but must be completed within set timeframes. The law also removes electrical diagram requirements when SolarAPP+ certifies code compliance.
What permits are required?
Building Permit
Filed with: City / County
Confirms the roof structure can support the panel weight and that the installation meets local building codes. Filed with your city's building department.
Electrical Permit
Filed with: City / County
Covers all wiring, inverter connections, and main panel work. Ensures the electrical system meets the National Electrical Code (NEC) and Arizona electrical standards.
Utility Interconnection
Filed with: APS / SRP / TEP
Separate from city permits — filed directly with your utility. Required before your system can export power to the grid or receive net billing credits. This is the step that takes the longest.
Your installer handles all of this. You sign the permit applications as the property owner, but a qualified installer submits every document, schedules every inspection, and follows up with both the city and the utility. If an installer asks you to file permits yourself, treat that as a red flag.
The full process, step by step
From signed contract to solar power: here's every milestone and who owns it.
System design & permit filing
Your installer designs the system, prepares the permit package (site plan, single-line electrical diagram, equipment specs), and submits to your city or county. Cities using SolarAPP+ can approve same-day. Traditional plan review takes 5–15 business days.
Building & electrical permits issued
Your jurisdiction issues the building permit and electrical permit. Under HB2301 (effective Jan 1, 2026), all Arizona municipalities must offer an instant permitting path. Most Phoenix-area and Tucson-area cities now use SolarAPP+ for same-day approvals on qualifying standard systems.
Installation
Physical installation: racking, panels, inverters, wiring, and main panel work. Your installer posts the permit on-site. Most standard residential systems are installed in 1–2 days; larger systems or complex roofs may take 3 days.
City inspection
A city building inspector visits to verify the installation matches the permitted plans and meets code. Your installer schedules this and is typically on-site. If the inspection passes, the city signs off and the installer proceeds to utility interconnection.
Utility interconnection application
With the city inspection passed, your installer submits the interconnection application to APS, SRP, or TEP. The utility reviews the system design and schedules their own inspection to install the net meter or bidirectional meter. This is usually the longest step.
Permission to Operate (PTO)
PTO is the utility's final written approval to turn on your system and connect to the grid. You cannot legally export power or receive net billing credits until PTO is in hand. APS and TEP typically issue PTO within 2–4 weeks of a completed inspection; SRP can take 4–6 weeks.
Total timeline: 6–12 weeks from signed contract to PTO
Permitting and city inspection: 1–3 weeks. Utility interconnection and PTO: 2–6 weeks (APS/TEP) or 4–6 weeks (SRP). Experienced installers with current utility relationships can compress the timeline — always ask how many interconnections they've completed with your specific utility in the last 12 months.
Permit fees & approval times by city
These are city/county permit fees only — utility interconnection costs are separate (typically included in your installer's price).
| City / County | Permit Fees | Review Method | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | $150–$300 | SolarAPP+ | Same-day |
| Tucson | $94–$175 | SolarAPP+ | Same-day |
| Mesa | $200–$350 | SolarAPP+ | Same-day |
| Scottsdale | $175–$325 | SolarAPP+ | 1–2 business days |
| Chandler | $150–$275 | SolarAPP+ | Same-day |
| Gilbert | $150–$275 | SolarAPP+ | Same-day |
| Glendale | $175–$300 | SolarAPP+ | 1–2 business days |
| Peoria | $175–$300 | SolarAPP+ | 1–2 business days |
| Surprise | $150–$275 | SolarAPP+ | 1–2 business days |
| Tempe | $175–$325 | SolarAPP+ | Same-day |
| Goodyear | $150–$275 | SolarAPP+ | 1–2 business days |
| Flagstaff | $200–$400 | Traditional | 5–10 business days |
| Prescott | $200–$400 | Traditional | 5–10 business days |
| Maricopa County | $300 | SolarAPP+ | Same-day |
| Pima County | $94 | SolarAPP+ | Same-day |
Fees verified June 2026. Ranges reflect combined building + electrical permits for a standard residential system. Flagstaff and Prescott are not yet SolarAPP+ participants as of this writing — confirm current status with your installer.
What your installer handles vs. what you do
Your installer handles
- check_circleSystem design and engineering
- check_circleBuilding and electrical permit applications
- check_circleHOA notification documentation
- check_circleInstallation and all electrical work
- check_circleCity inspection scheduling and attendance
- check_circleUtility interconnection application
- check_circleCoordination with APS / SRP / TEP meter team
- check_circleFollow-up until PTO is issued
What you do
- edit_noteSign the permit applications as property owner
- edit_noteSign the utility interconnection application
- edit_noteProvide access to your electrical panel and attic
- edit_noteBe present (or arrange access) on installation day
- edit_noteReview and approve the final system design
- edit_noteConfirm HOA rules if applicable
Red flag: Any installer who asks you to file permits, call the city, or contact the utility yourself is either unlicensed or understaffed. Verified Arizona installers handle the entire process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related guides
Find an installer who knows the process
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