EditRequired Permits, Approvals and Inspections
Below is an overview of the types of permits, approvals and inspections
that are generally required in Ontario. Installers will often help with
obtaining these approvals; however, it is important to know your legal
obligations for insurance and liability purposes. Requirements can
vary by municipality, so please contact your local municipal building
inspector or electric utility for specific details.
| Required Permit and Inspection | Why Its Necessary | Who to Contact |
| Municipal Building Permit | 1074 kWh/kW/year | PV panels measuring 5m2 or more are considered “designated structures” and require a building permit |
Electrical safety inspection and approval
required by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) | All new wiring or wiring
alterations to your home, including the installation of solar PV, require an inspection by the ESA | Your installer should help coordinate the inspection and certification of your system with the ESA or Visit: www.esasafe.com/GeneralPublic/iaf_001. php?s=5 |
| Electricity Distributor’s Connection Agreement | To connect your PV system to the electrical grid, you will need to enter into an agreement with your local electrical utility | Your local electrical utility |
Inspection by your
local utility | Required to ensure your interconnection is working properly
and safely | Your local electrical utility |
| Required Permit and Inspection | Why Its Necessary | Who to Contact |
| Municipal Building Permit | Solar collectors measuring 5m2 or more are considered “designated structures”
and require a building permit | Your local municipal building officials or your installer |
| Municipal Plumbing Permit | When a solar water heater system is
connected to domestic water supply, a plumbing permit is required | Your local municipal
building officials or your installer |