Solar installation permits in Missouri

We received the following question from one of our readers, which we found relevant enough to reprint and answer here in our Solar Q&A section. Permitting has become a common source of attention and controversy in cities across the country as regional solar markets continue to grow rapidly. Our question comes from Andrew:

"Hey, I'm very interested in Solar Power and had some questions. I was wondering what some of the required permits there are for Missouri Solar Panel installation, if you had to have a permit to build and sell panels, and what are the all necessary pieces (panels, inverters, batteries, etc...) for a grid-tied system, and how many watts the average home needs. Thanks."

While Andrew's question mentions Missouri specifically, this answer is relevant to all readers. In Missouri, as in most other states, permitting is a local issue administered at the city or county level. Therefore, the best way for Andrew to find out about required permits for solar panel installation at home is to contact his local building or code enforcement department.

What has happened at the state level in Missouri is the passage of Proposition C, which mandates that 15 percent of electricity produced by investor-owned utilities in the state must come from renewable sources by 2021. Two percent of that must come from solar photovoltaics (PV). This means that you can expect to see solar power take on a higher profile in Missouri, including solar permit rules and fees, which likely vary widely from town to town.

Michael Taylor, a staff member at the Missouri Public Services Commission, elaborated in an e-mail, noting that administrative rules regarding the renewable portfolio standard (RPS) are still pending and that the law is still not totally in effect. The only statewide rule that is relevant regards the interconnection standards for solar electric systems, which are part of Missouri's net metering laws that state that any solar system owner wishing to connect to the local power grid must meet all of his or her electric provider's requirements.

As for building and selling solar panels, help can be found in the Missouri chapter of the Solar Energy Industries Association. Also, expect general rules regarding forming a new business in Missouri to apply, and perhaps licensing or certification if you plan to install panels as well.

Finally, the primary components of a solar electric system are fairly few in number. It starts with the solar panels, where electricity travels through wiring, a charge controller, an inverter that converts the current from DC to usable AC, and then into the home's main electric box. If the system has a battery bank, then the excess electricity would pass through the batteries before being converted and used in the home.

Overall, the easiest way to learn about permitting in any city or state is to speak with a local, licensed solar contracting company. They'll not only be able to discuss permitting and fees, but also provide a site analysis and estimate for a solar power system to suit your home and lifestyle.