Solar Permitting In El Paso, TX

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Solar Permit Solutions provides expert solar permitting in El Paso, TX, helping homeowners, businesses, and installers navigate the city's regulatory requirements efficiently. Our team handles all documentation, plan preparation, and submissions to ensure your solar installation complies with municipal codes, El Paso Electric interconnection standards, and Texas building regulations.

The City of El Paso requires building permits for all solar panel installations, managed through the Planning & Inspections Department. Applications are submitted via the Accela Citizen Access Portal or in person at the One-Stop Shop located at 811 Texas Avenue. Your permit package must include completed application forms, detailed construction plans with specifications, site plans showing panel placement, and structural calculations demonstrating roof load capacity. The city follows the 2021 International Building Code with local amendments outlined in Title 18 of the El Paso Municipal Code, which governs all construction activities including photovoltaic system installations.

El Paso's zoning ordinance under Section 20.10.200.A permits solar energy conversion systems as accessory uses in any district, provided installations comply with height limitations and setback requirements. The municipal code also establishes solar licensing provisions under Section 20.12.030.A for systems supplying 10% or more of a building's energy needs, offering protection against future shading from neighboring structures. These regulations demonstrate the city's commitment to supporting renewable energy while maintaining neighborhood aesthetics.

Beyond city permits, El Paso Electric requires separate interconnection approval before system activation. Installers must submit a Distributed Generation Renewable Energy Interconnection application that includes a one-line electrical diagram identifying all major equipment, the utility-accessible disconnect device, and meter location. For more complex commercial installations, a three-line diagram may be required. Site diagrams must remain under 10 megabytes. The utility emphasizes that service phase must match generation phase, single-phase service requires single-phase inverters, while three-phase systems need compatible three-phase equipment. Upon approval, EPE installs bi-directional meters enabling net metering under Rate Schedule No. 48, with a minimum monthly bill of $30.25.

The inspection process involves multiple stages. After receiving EPE design approval and obtaining city building permits, installation can proceed according to approved specifications. Once construction concludes, the authority having jurisdiction conducts final electrical inspection. Only after passing this inspection should installers contact EPE at smallrenewables@epelectric.com to schedule field verification and meter replacement. Systems must not be energized until EPE completes its inspection and installs the bi-directional meter.

Solar Permit Solutions eliminates the complexity of coordinating between municipal and utility requirements. We prepare stamped engineering drawings where required, compile complete permit packages, and ensure documentation meets both city codes and El Paso Electric specifications. Our expertise with the Accela portal and EPE interconnection procedures accelerates approval timelines, allowing you to focus on installation while we manage regulatory compliance. Contact us today to streamline your next El Paso project.

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Our Solution

Solar Permit Solutions drives renewable energy development forward by providing expert regulatory guidance and professional engineering services nationwide. Our team of licensed Professional Engineers brings extensive solar expertise together with effective permitting approaches that simplify the approval process across municipal, county, and state jurisdictions. We manage each stage of your solar project, from initial site evaluation to final inspection sign-off, while upholding rigorous quality standards and optimizing system performance from start to finish.

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Solar Permit Solutions provides comprehensive permitting support throughout every phase of your solar installation, from initial application filing to final inspection sign-off. Our knowledgeable team streamlines complicated regulatory requirements, removes paperwork obstacles that cause costly project setbacks, and safeguards your installation against surprise expenses and code violations by ensuring full adherence to applicable building regulations and permit specifications.
Comprehensive Solar Design Service

Comprehensive Solar Design Services

At SolarPermitSolutions.com, we specialize in delivering complete solar design packages that streamline your project's approval process. Our all-inclusive solutions ensure a seamless and efficient path to solar installation.

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Detailed Site Plan

  • Property line setbacks
  • Septic & leach field locations
  • Conduit routing paths
  • Main service panel locations
  • Solar array placement optimization

Electrical Plans

  • Detailed conductor specifications
  • Complete conduit & wire schedules
  • Comprehensive wiring schematics
  • Load calculations
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Structural Engineering

  • Roof-mounted: Rafter & mounting details
  • Ground-mounted: Complete racking plans
  • Foundation specifications
  • Load-bearing calculations
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Safety & Signage

  • Code-compliant safety placards
  • Required warning signage
  • Local regulation compliance
  • Updated to latest NEC standards

PE Stamps & Certification

  • Professional Engineering stamps
  • Licensed PE certifications
  • State-specific approvals
  • Structural & electrical stamps
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Expert Technical Support

  • Dedicated project assistance
  • AHJ coordination support
  • Permit revision assistance
  • Throughout project lifecycle

Ready to streamline your solar project approval process?

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Solar Permitting in El Paso, TX - Comprehensive Case Study

Solar Permitting in El Paso, TX

Comprehensive Market Analysis & Permitting Case Study

The Sun City's 3,762 hours of annual sunshine creates exceptional opportunities for solar energy adoption. This case study examines permitting processes, costs, timelines, and market dynamics in El Paso's growing solar landscape.

Market Overview

302
Sunny Days Per Year
8
Peak Sun Hours Daily
33,000+
Solar Customers (EPE)
186 MW
Residential Solar Capacity

El Paso Electric currently serves over 33,000 customers with rooftop solar systems, representing approximately 7% of their total customer base. Between 2021 and 2023, the utility received an average of 4,700 annual interconnection applications, demonstrating strong and consistent market growth. The collective residential solar capacity across the Borderland region reaches 186 megawatts, sufficient to power approximately 40,000 homes during peak production periods.

Installation Costs & Financial Analysis

Average 5 kW System Cost Breakdown (2025)

Base Installation Cost ($2.30/watt) $11,516
Federal Tax Credit (30%) -$3,455
Net Cost After Incentives $8,061
System Size Cost Before Incentives Federal Tax Credit Net Cost Annual Savings
5 kW $11,516 $3,455 $8,061 $849
6.7 kW (Average) $15,545 $4,664 $10,881 $1,137
10 kW $23,032 $6,910 $16,122 $1,698

Financial Projections

Average Payback Period: 9.5 years

25-Year Savings: $38,173 (average system)

20-Year Net Savings: $28,331 after all costs

Based on current El Paso Electric rates of $0.1328/kWh and average monthly consumption of 679 kWh. Solar cooperative participants reported savings of $6,000 to $11,000 compared to individual quotes, with systems ranging from $19,000 to $25,000.

Permitting Process & Timeline

Permitting Authority

City of El Paso Planning & Inspections Department
One-Stop Shop: 811 Texas Ave
Phone: (915) 212-0104

Online Portal

Accela Citizen Access Portal
24/7 application submission
Status tracking and invoice management

SolSmart Designation

El Paso achieved SolSmart certification for streamlined solar permitting and transparent processes

1

Pre-Application

Verify property is within El Paso city limits. For residential systems, ensure design matches annual consumption. Solar panels allowed by-right as accessory use in all zoning districts.

2

Building Permit Application

Submit application through Accela Citizen Access Portal or in-person at One-Stop Shop. Small PV systems eligible for streamlined over-the-counter approval. Include structural calculations and electrical diagrams.

3

EPE Interconnection Application

Submit distributed generation application to El Paso Electric. Include one-line diagram and site diagram (max 10MB). System must not exceed annual consumption and match service phase (single or 3-phase).

4

Plan Review & Approval

City reviews for code compliance. EPE reviews one-line diagram for interconnection requirements. Cross-trained inspection and permitting staff facilitate solar-specific reviews.

5

Installation

Install equipment per approved specifications. Ensure all components have UL listing or approved equivalent. Install utility-accessible generation disconnect device.

6

Electrical Inspection

Schedule final electrical inspection with City of El Paso. System must pass inspection before energizing. Remove existing water heater meter if applicable before requesting inspection.

7

EPE Field Inspection & Meter Installation

Contact EPE at smallrenewables@epelectric.com after passing City inspection. EPE verifies construction matches approved plans and installs bi-directional meter at no charge. Do not energize system before EPE approval.

8

Permission to Operate

EPE labels meter box as DG Interconnection site. System is now authorized to operate. Begin receiving net metering credits on monthly bill.

Permit Fees & Requirements

Fee Component Percentage Notes
Master Permit 66% Primary building permit fee
Electrical Permit 20% Required for all solar installations
Plumbing Permit 7% If applicable to installation
Mechanical Permit 7% If applicable to installation
Technology Fees Variable Additional processing fees

Required Documentation

Building Permit: Structural calculations, roof load analysis, electrical single-line diagram, site plan

EPE Interconnection: One-line diagram showing all major equipment, utility-accessible disconnect, metering point. Site diagram with system location and specifications

Equipment Requirements: UL-listed components, phase-matched inverters (single-phase service requires single-phase inverter)

El Paso Electric Interconnection Details

Net Metering Program

Retail rate credit for excess generation. System size limited to annual consumption. $30 minimum monthly bill requirement.

Bi-Directional Meter

EPE installs at no charge. Tracks both consumption and generation. Required before system energization.

Program Restrictions

Solar customers cannot participate in Community Solar Program or Budget Billing Plan.

Utility Metric Value Details
Total Solar Customers 33,000+ 7% of EPE customer base
Annual Applications (2021-2023) 4,700 Average interconnection requests per year
Residential Solar Capacity 186 MW Powers approximately 40,000 homes
Minimum Monthly Bill $30.00 Even with net-zero consumption
Net Metering Credit Rate Retail Rate Currently $0.1328/kWh

Local Solar Resources & Climate Data

Solar Irradiance Metrics

Measurement Type Daily Average
Peak Sun Hours 8 hours
Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) 5.86 kWh/m²
Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) 7.36 kWh/m²
Average Tilt at Latitude (ATaL) 6.51 kWh/m²

Climate Characteristics

Climate Factor Annual Value
Sunny Days 302 days
Sunshine Hours 3,762 hours
Desert Southwest Location Optimal solar conditions
Year-Round Production Consistent output

Seasonal Production Variation

Summer Production: Higher output due to increased daylight hours and higher sun angle. Solar panels generate maximum energy during summer months.

Winter Production: Lower output due to shorter days and lower sun angle. However, El Paso's mild winters and abundant sunshine maintain year-round viability.

Average monthly variation ranges from 160-300 kWh per 1 kW of installed capacity, according to El Paso Electric's Community Solar program data.

Electricity Rate Structure

$0.1328
Average Rate per kWh
679
Average Monthly kWh Usage
$90
Average Monthly Bill
4%
Average Annual Rate Increase

El Paso Electric's rates have historically increased an average of 4% annually. Over a 20-year period, this compounds significantly, making fixed-cost solar energy increasingly valuable. Current generation sources include natural gas and nuclear power from Arizona, with ongoing expansion of renewable energy infrastructure including new community solar facilities in San Elizario and Fabens.

Available Incentives & Programs

Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

30% tax credit through 2032. Applies to total installation costs including equipment and labor. No maximum claim amount.

Texas Property Tax Exemption

100% exemption on added home value from solar installation. Permanent benefit with no expiration.

Net Metering

Retail rate credits for excess generation. Bill can be reduced to $30 minimum monthly charge.

Community Solar Alternative

Program Details: EPE's Community Solar allows customers to subscribe to utility-scale solar without rooftop installation.

Capacity Charge: $17.64 per kW subscribed (reduced from $20.96)

Current Facilities: 5 MW in Far East El Paso, 10 MW expansion in San Elizario (operational end of 2024), 150 MW facility planned in Fabens

Subscription Benefits: No upfront costs, no maintenance responsibilities, portable within EPE service territory

Program Type Benefit Amount Duration Eligibility
Federal ITC 30% of total cost Through 2032 All residential solar installations
Property Tax Exemption 100% of added value Permanent Texas residential properties
Net Metering Retail rate credit Ongoing Systems up to 50 kW
Community Solar Variable monthly credits Ongoing subscription EPE customers in Texas territory

Market Trends & Outlook

Texas Solar Market Position

Texas leads the nation in solar capacity additions, with 7.9 GWdc installed through Q3 2024. The state's solar industry employs over 12,000 workers and contributes billions in local tax revenue. Utility-scale solar continues to dominate new capacity additions, while residential solar experienced a 26% contraction in 2024 due to elevated interest rates and market uncertainty nationwide.

El Paso Specific Growth Indicators

Customer Adoption

7% of EPE customers have adopted rooftop solar, representing strong local market penetration compared to national averages.

Utility Investment

EPE investing $23 million in 10 MW San Elizario facility, plus 150 MW Fabens project demonstrates long-term commitment to solar infrastructure.

Solar Cooperative Success

El Paso solar cooperative helps homeowners save $6,000-$11,000 through bulk purchasing and vetted installer selection.

Future Outlook

Projected Growth: El Paso's exceptional solar resources (8 peak sun hours daily, 302 sunny days annually) position the market for continued expansion despite national headwinds.

Policy Environment: Texas maintains favorable solar policies with streamlined permitting. El Paso's SolSmart designation ensures continued process improvements.

Economic Drivers: 4% annual electricity rate increases make solar's fixed-cost energy increasingly competitive. Federal ITC extension through 2032 provides long-term investment certainty.

Infrastructure Development: EPE's utility-scale solar expansion (165 MW planned capacity) improves grid integration and creates community solar options for renters and those unable to install rooftop systems.

Key Takeaways

Exceptional Solar Resource

El Paso's 8 peak sun hours daily and 302 sunny days annually create ideal conditions for solar energy production, ranking among the best in the United States.

Streamlined Permitting

SolSmart-certified process with over-the-counter approval for small systems. Online portal provides 24/7 access. Cross-trained staff expedite solar-specific reviews.

Strong Financial Returns

9.5-year payback period with $38,173 in 25-year savings. 30% federal tax credit reduces upfront costs significantly through 2032.

Mature Local Market

33,000+ existing solar customers (7% market penetration) demonstrate proven track record. 4,700 annual interconnection applications show sustained demand.

Supportive Utility Programs

Retail-rate net metering maximizes savings. Community solar provides alternative for renters. EPE investing in major solar infrastructure expansion.

Long-Term Value

4% average annual electricity rate increases compound over time. Solar provides fixed-cost energy hedge and property tax exemption adds permanent value.

Solar Permit Process Workflow

☀️ Solar Permit Process Workflow

Your streamlined path from project submission to approved solar installation permit, simple, fast, and hassle-free

Start
1
📋

Submit Project Details

Begin by providing us with the essential details of your solar installation project. This includes information about your property and the solar system.

2
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Receive Invoice

Once we have the initial project details, we will provide you with a customized quote. This quote will outline the cost of our services based on the size and complexity of your project.

3
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Permit Application Preparation

Our team of experts will begin preparing your permit application. We handle the entire preparation process, so you can focus on your project.

Complete
4

Receive Solar Design

We will email you the solar plan with stamps (if necessary depending on your state).

SOLAR PERMIT READY PLANS · DELIVERED

Streamlined process

Solar site designs are expertly crafted with attention to detail, using cutting-edge satellite imagery technology to ensure maximum efficiency.

Plan Set

Your tailored plan set is carefully crafted to address the specific requirements of your property, facilitating a seamless solar permit approval. We provide comprehensive and precise designs that guarantee full compliance with local regulations and codes.

Solar Permit Design

Engineering Review

Our team of skilled professionals carefully manages every stage of the process, guaranteeing that all electrical and structural certifications are handled with precision and expertise.

PTO and Interconnection

We simplify the solar interconnection and Permission To Operate (PTO) process, taking care of all the intricate details. This allows contractors and businesses to focus on expanding their operations without the hassle of navigating the complex steps required.

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Why Choose Solar Permit Solutions?

We streamline the solar permitting process with expertise, precision, and dedication, so you can focus on what matters most; your solar installation.

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Fast Turnaround Times

Time is money in solar installations. Our streamlined processes and experienced team ensure your permit-ready plans are delivered quickly without sacrificing quality, keeping your project on schedule.

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Nationwide Coverage

Operating across all 50 states, we understand the unique permitting requirements and regulations of every jurisdiction. No matter where your project is located, we've got you covered.

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Comprehensive Plan Sets

Our detailed documentation includes site plans, electrical diagrams, structural details, wire schedules, and everything needed for first-time approval eliminating costly revision delays.


Code Compliance Guaranteed

Stay compliant with local building codes and regulations. Our plans are meticulously designed to meet AHJ requirements, ensuring smooth approvals and protecting your investment.

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Advanced Technology

We utilize cutting-edge satellite imaging technology to create precise solar site designs, ensuring optimal system placement and maximum efficiency for your installation.

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Expert Support Team

Our experienced professionals guide you through every step of the permitting process, providing dedicated assistance from initial consultation to final PTO approval.

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Versatile Services

Whether you're a homeowner, DIY enthusiast, business owner, or professional solar installer, we serve residential, commercial, and off-grid projects of all sizes and complexities.

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Engineering Stamps Included

Professional engineering certifications and stamps are available, ensuring your electrical and structural plans meet the highest professional standards required by authorities.

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Transparent Pricing

No hidden fees or surprise costs. We provide upfront, customized quotes based on your project's specifics, offering competitive rates and exceptional value for comprehensive services.

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We are dedicated to providing top-notch solar permit services to homeowners, business owners, DIY, and solar installers. Contact us today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What is Solar Permit Solutions and how can you help with solar permitting in El Paso, TX?

Solar Permit Solutions simplifies your solar installation journey by managing all permit documentation and AHJ submissions for El Paso projects. Our licensed engineers prepare code-compliant plan sets that meet Texas building requirements, helping you avoid delays and move from approval to installation efficiently.

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Who benefits from residential solar permit design services in El Paso?

You benefit from our Residential Solar Permit Design services whether you're a homeowner planning a rooftop system, a DIY solar enthusiast, or a contractor needing PE-stamped engineering plans. We handle El Paso's permitting requirements so you can focus on your installation goals.

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How do you support businesses through commercial solar permit design in El Paso, TX?

You start by submitting your project details through our website or email, and we prepare a comprehensive permit package tailored to El Paso commercial requirements. Our team coordinates with local building departments and El Paso Electric to ensure your Commercial Solar Permit Design proceeds smoothly.

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Can you provide off-grid solar system design services for El Paso properties?

Yes, you can access our Off-Grid Solar System Design services for remote El Paso properties or locations seeking energy independence. We create custom permit-ready designs featuring battery storage integration and standalone power configurations that comply with Texas electrical codes.

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