Solar Information
Pensacola's Renewable Energy Initiatives
SolSmart is a national designation program recognizing cities, counties, and regional organizations that foster the development of mature local solar markets. SolSmart was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies office. The City of Pensacola was awarded SolSmart Gold designee in April of 2022. We are proud to be the first City in the Gulf Coast to receive the Gold designation from SolSmart, and we will continue to strive to be a leader in renewable energy and sustainability.
Please read our Press Release on the award of the SolSmart designee.
Permitting for Residential Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic Systems
JURISDICTION CONFIRMATION
To confirm whether the project is in our jurisdiction, enter the construction address in the search field on the Real Estate Record Search for Escambia County Property Appraiser. If the Taxing Authority says “City of Pensacola”, you have reached the correct jurisdiction.
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW
After confirming jurisdiction and during the permit application process, you will be notified if the construction address lies in a historic district or other protected zone. Protected property permit applicants will be instructed to seek written approval from our Planning and Zoning Department prior to the permit being issued. Some properties may have to undergo an Abbreviated Review by our Architectural Review Board.
If you are instructed to apply for an Abbreviated Architectural Review, you may be directed to complete and submit an Abbreviated Architectural Review Board application. For more information about historical and preservation properties or architectural reviews, please contact our Planning Services Department.
REQUIRED PERMITS
Both a Solar Permit Application and an Electrical Add to Existing Permit Application are required. Both applications must be submitted through My Government Online (MGO). For assistance in creating an account or submitting an application, view their helpful guide by clicking "HELP" at the top right-hand corner of the MGO homepage.
CONTRACTOR TYPES
Please visit the Building Inspections webpage at Building Inspections | City of Pensacola, Florida Official Website for details regarding the required licensing information.
Electrical Contractors (EC, ER)
Solar Contractors (CWC, CVC)
Note: If a Solar Contractor obtains the Solar Permit for the photovoltaic system, an Electrical Contractor is still required to obtain an Electrical Add to Existing permit for all wiring on the load side of the power conditioning unit (inverter).
FORMS
Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) "Photovoltaic System Approval Certificate" documentation is required unless otherwise certified by an engineer licensed pursuant to Chapter 471 using the standards contained in the most recent version of the Florida Building Code.
A Notice of Commencement is required prior to the first inspection if the value of the work is greater than $2500.00. The NOC may be recorded in person at the Escambia County Clerk of Courts or online at File | Escambia County Clerk, FL (escambiaclerk.com).
CHECKLISTS
View and print Project Checklists.
APPLICATIONS
All projects that include plans are required to be submitted online.
CODES
Florida Building Code, Residential, 7th Edition and the 2017 National Electrical Code
FEES
The fee will be based on the total cost for all materials, labor, and fixtures installed. View our Fee Schedule to estimate costs associated with permitting.
PAYMENTS
Credit card payments are accepted via the permit payment tab in the MGO portal.
REQUIRED POSTS AT JOB SITES
If the value of the work is more than $2500.00 before the first inspection, a certified copy of the Notice of Commencement must be provided to our office and posted on the job site.
The contractor is responsible for placing the permit and approved stamped plans on the job site before inspections. Electronic submittals with embedded approval stamps are uploaded to the MGO portal for printing by the contractor when the permit is issued.
REQUIRED INSPECTIONS
An Electrical Final, Solar Electrical Final, and Building Final are required. Inspections may be ordered through the MGO portal.
ORDERING INSPECTIONS
Inspections may be ordered online in the permit portal or via phone through the IVR system at (866) 957-3764, Option 5.
PLAN REVISIONS
Please upload revised plans and supporting documentation electronically into the permit document portal. There is a minimum $50 review fee for revised plans.
The following applies to revisions:
Structural plans must be signed and sealed as applicable.
Electrical plans must be FSEC approved
The revision must be approved by plan review
The contractor must place the stamped revised plans on the jobsite before applicable inspections.
How can I see plan review status or inspection results?
Plan review status, inspection results, and other permit information can be viewed inside the permit on the MGO portal at www.mygovernmentonline.org.