Each state and community has its own set of codes and regulations that you will need to follow in order to add a small renewable energy system to your home or small business. These regulations can affect the type of renewable energy system you are allowed to install and who installs it. They can also affect whether you decide to connect your system to the electricity grid or use it in place of grid-supplied electricity as a stand-alone system.

Here are some of the state and community requirements you may encounter:

* Building codes
* Easements
* Local covenants and ordinances
* Technology-specific requirements

Building Codes

Electrical and building inspectors ensure that your system complies with standards. Building inspectors are interested in making sure the structure you are adding is safe. Your system may be required to pass electrical and/or plumbing inspections in order to comply with local building codes.

Many building code offices also require their zoning board to grant you a conditional-use permit or a variance from the existing code before they will issue you a building permit. Check with your building code office before you buy a renewable energy system to learn about their specific inspection requirements.

You are most likely to gain the inspector's approval if you or your installer follow the National Electrical Code; install pre-engineered, packaged systems; properly brief the inspector on your installation; and include a complete set of plans as well as the diagrams that come with the system. In addition, you should be sure your system is composed of certified equipment, and that it complies with local requirements and appropriate technical standards (the links at the bottom of the page provide more information on technical standards).

Note: Although local inspectors are often not required to follow the National Electrical Code (NEC), many look to Article 690 of the NEC for guidance on equipment and wiring safety for small renewable energy system installations. Article 690 of the NEC specifically discusses photovoltaics systems, but much of the information is pertinent to small wind and microhydro systems as well. If you, your installer, or your inspector want more information on Article 690, Sandia National Laboratory in 1996 published a useful guide to installing NEC-compliant photovoltaics systems: Sandia Report.pdf

Easements

Some states permit easements, which are a voluntary, legally binding agreement between owners of adjacent land regarding use of the land. For example, you might seek an easement specifying that no structure which blocks the renewable resource necessary to run a renewable energy system will be built. These agreements are binding regardless of changing land ownership. In addition, you may want to do a title search of your deed to determine if any prior easements or other agreements exist which could prevent you from adding a renewable energy system to your own property.

Local Covenants and Ordinances

Some communities have covenants or other regulations specifying what homeowners can and can't do with their property. Sometimes these regulations prohibit the use of renewable energy systems for aesthetic or noise-control reasons. However, sometimes these regulations have provisions supporting renewable energy systems. Check with your homeowners association or local government for details. In addition, you may want to discuss your intentions with your neighbors to avoid any future public objections.

Small Solar Electric System Permits and Covenants

Before purchasing a small solar electric system, you should research your local permit and neighborhood covenant requirements.
Local Permits

You will probably need to obtain permits from your city or county building department. These include a building permit, an electrical permit, or both.

Code requirements for PV systems vary somewhat from one jurisdiction to the next, but most are based on the National Electrical Code (NEC). Article 690 in the NEC spells out requirements for designing and installing safe, reliable, code-compliant PV systems.

If you are one of the first people in your community to install a PV system, your local building department may not have experience in approving one of these systems. If this is the case, you and your PV provider can speed up the process by working closely with building officials to educate them on the technology.

Neighborhood Covenants

If you live where a homeowners association (HOA) must approve a solar electric system, you or your PV provider will likely need to submit your plans and get approval before you begin installing your PV system. However, some state laws stipulate that you have the right to install a solar electric system on your home.