Solar Installations

The number of solar photovoltaic (PV) installations in Coos County are increasing. There are a few considerations to be aware of for both homeowners and installers.

Permitting Requirements:

• Roof-top systems- These systems are attached to the roof of a residence or commercial building and will require both a structural and an electrical permit. While there are prescriptive (outlined in the building code) pathways for roof-top installation, some installations may need engineering. Manufactured home PV installations will require engineering. 
  • Documentation requirements-
    • Structural permit application.
    • Full set of plans with engineering (if applicable).
    • Prescriptive Rooftop-mounted Solar PV Checklist.
    • Electrical permit application.
• Ground mounted systems- These systems will require land use authorization
  • Documentation Requirements 
    • Compliance Determination from the planning department of the jurisdiction
    • Plot plan depicting locations of all features of the property and distances between features. 
    • Electrical permit application.
• Utility-scale solar PV systems are built to supply power to a utility’s electrical grid. These systems are often referred to as solar parks, farms, or ranches.
  • Documentation Requirements
    • Land use authorization.
    • Comprehensive plot plan with all features and distances clearly depicted.
    • Electrical permit application (possible plan review required)

Licensing Requirements:

The State of Oregon requires contractors and other individuals who install solar PV professionally in the state to be licensed. Licenses required depend on the size of installation.

• Contractor License – An individual or business seeking to install solar PV must first obtain an electrical contractor license before “engaging in the business” of installing solar PV. Engaging in the business includes activities such as performing an electrical installation or designing a system.
• Individual License – An individual installing a solar PV system must be licensed as a general journeyman electrician, general supervising electrician, or limited residential electrician. For solar PV systems smaller than 25kW, the individual may be licensed as a limited renewable energy technician.