Connecting your solar system to the utility

Once you’ve selected your solar panel system and have committed to the installation, the installer will require an electrical permit for installation. In New Jersey, a licensed electrician with a business permit is required to install solar panels and to connect the system to the utility. Your certified solar technician cannot apply for a construction permit unless he or she possesses the proper electrical qualifications as defined by the State. The Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C 5:23-2.15(b)2) instructs that electrical work shall not be undertaken except by persons licensed to perform such work (except in the case of a single family homeowner on his or her own dwelling).Similar requirements exist in NY and PA as well.




Here is why: Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) systems are inherently electrical work since they are a series of components that generate, transmit and utilities electrical energy.



Additionally, if your SPV system is for building structure Groups other than R-1 (single family residential), the Code enforcement official may require signed and sealed engineered drawings as part of the permit application to show how the system connects to the utility meter and the building electrical system. These drawings address different electrical issues from the SPV drawings that are prepared by solar system vendors.



If you require engineered sealed electrical drawings, contact us at info@milestoneseng.com or give us a call at 973.794.3445. Our engineers are licensed in NJ, NY and PA.