New Mexico / Bernalillo County
Solar Permit in Bernalillo County, New Mexico
Permit required
Yes, a permit is required
Before installing roof-mounted or ground-mounted solar PV or solar hot water.
Issued byBernalillo County Planning & Development Services, Building Section
By Mario Bailey, verified against official sources
Quick answer
The county adopts the Uniform Solar Energy Code and requires a separate permit for any building service equipment regulated by its codes; its exemption lists contain no solar item. It publishes a Solar Packet whose requirements apply to all solar installation applications, residential or commercial, and issues a Residential Building Solar Permit (BRSP). Roof arrays need engineering unless they meet the packet's prescriptive roof, weight and height criteria.
Who is pulling this permit?
Apply yourself
Hire it out
Before you sign, ask the contractor:
- Who pulls the permit, you or me, and is the permit fee included in the bid?
- Which inspections will this job need, and who meets the inspector on site?
- Is your New Mexico Construction Industries Division (Regulation and Licensing Department) license active, and under which business name? Verify it on public.psiexams.com.
New Mexico's owner-builder rule (NMSA 1978, 60-13-3(D)(10), (11); 14.5.2.8(B) NMAC; 14.5.2.18 NMAC) sets what you may do on your own home without hiring anyone. Read the statute.
When a permit is usually needed
Before installing roof-mounted or ground-mounted solar PV or solar hot water.
What a solar permit costs in Bernalillo County
How to apply in Bernalillo County
In Bernalillo County, a rooftop solar PV permit application is a combined structural and electrical plan set: a site plan and roof framing details proving the array's mounting can carry its added loads, plus a one line electrical diagram covering listed modules and inverters, disconnects, and the rapid shutdown design. Utility interconnection is a separate approval that runs in parallel with the permit.
What most solar permit applications include:
- Both a building permit and a separate electrical permit are required, since the array must be designed and installed to the residential code's solar provisions and to the National Electrical Code (IRC R324.3).
- For Bernalillo County, the plan set identifies listed equipment: PV modules listed to UL 1703 (or both UL 61730-1 and UL 61730-2), and inverters listed to UL 1741, with grid-tied inverters listed for utility interaction (IRC R324.3.1).
- Structural drawings show that the roof framing is designed to structurally support the array and withstand the gravity loads it adds (IRC R324.4.1).
- For Bernalillo County, the site plan lays out roof access pathways at least 36 inches wide, plus a ridge setback sized to how much of the roof the array covers, so firefighters retain pathways and ventilation access (IRC R324.6.1, IRC R324.6.2).
- For Bernalillo County, the one line electrical diagram shows the rapid shutdown method and the location of its single initiation device, since one control point must bring all system conductors down to safe levels (NEC 690.12, NEC 690.56(C)).
- Interconnecting the array to the utility grid at a defined point of connection is a separate application process from the local building or electrical permit and must be approved before the system can operate (NEC 705.12).
- Some permitting offices route applications through SolarAPP+, an automated review platform that checks the plan set against code requirements and issues eligible permits instantly (DOE SolarAPP+).
General submittal guidance from IRC 2021 R324 (Solar Energy Systems) and NEC 2020 Article 690 (Solar Photovoltaic Systems) and Article 705 (Interconnected Power Production Sources). Source. Bernalillo County Planning & Development Services, Building Section sets the exact checklist for Bernalillo County.
Where to apply in Bernalillo County:
Bernalillo County Planning & Development Services, Building Section
- 415 Silver Ave. SW, 2nd Floor, Albuquerque, NM 87102
- Phone: (505) 314-0350
- Email: permits@bernco.gov
Solar Permit in Bernalillo County compared with nearby New Mexico localities
| Locality | Permit needed? | Threshold | What each New Mexico schedule says | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bernalillo County | Permit required | Any size | ...building permit (BRSP), valuation-based under Resolution 25-2009 Table 3-A ("$30.00... | |
| Albuquerque | Permit required | Any size | ...the (.50) residential modifier, plus an electrical permit under Table 112-B ($47.00... |
Inspections and closing out your permit
In Bernalillo County, inspectors verify the installed array against the approved plans, and some agencies run a rough check of roof attachments and penetrations while they are still exposed before the wiring and roofing close them in. The final inspection confirms rapid shutdown, disconnects, grounding, and required labels are installed correctly, and the system cannot be energized until the utility separately approves interconnection.
- In Bernalillo County: where an agency runs a rough or pre-inspection, it checks the array's roof penetrations while they are still exposed, confirming they are flashed and sealed (IRC R324.4.3).
- In Bernalillo County: the inspector confirms whether rapid shutdown is required, how it is accomplished, and that it is properly identified (NEC 690.12, NEC 690.56(C)).
- In Bernalillo County: pV disconnecting means must be permanently marked and installed where they are readily accessible, which the inspector confirms in the field (NEC 690.13).
- In Bernalillo County: bonding and grounding of the array, including every exposed non current carrying metal part and the grounding electrode system, is checked before sign off (NEC 690.43, NEC 690.47).
- In Bernalillo County: at the service equipment, the inspector looks for the required rapid shutdown placard, a labeled diagram showing the initiation device's location in the specified colors and letter sizes (NEC 690.56(C)).
- In Bernalillo County: utility interconnection is inspected and approved separately from the local building department's sign off, and the system cannot be energized until both approvals are in hand (NEC 705.12).
Schedule each inspection in advance and pass the final before you use the work or close the permit. Request inspections through the Bernalillo County permit portal or by phone at (505) 314-0350.
Inspection sequence from NEC 2020 Article 690 (690.12 rapid shutdown, 690.13 disconnects, 690.43/690.47 grounding, 690.56 labeling) and IRC 2021 R324.4.3 (roof penetrations). Source. An open permit left un-inspected can surface later in a title search or home sale.
Your Solar Permit checklist for Bernalillo County
- Confirm the requirement. Yes, a permit is required. Usually needed: Before installing roof-mounted or ground-mounted solar PV or solar hot water.
- Budget the fee. Solar PV goes in as a residential solar building permit (BRSP), valuation-based under Resolution 25-2009 Table 3-A ("$30.00 plus $4.00 per $1,000.00 Valuation" plus "$30.00 plus $2.00 per $1,000.00 Valuation" plan review). Table 3-C prices solar thermal: "For solar collectors (including related piping, duct work and regulating devices): Up to 1000 sq. ft." $4.00, plus the $23.50 administrative charge. Official fee schedule.
- Apply. In Bernalillo County, a rooftop solar PV permit application is a combined structural and electrical plan set: a site plan and roof framing details proving the array's mounting can carry its added loads, plus a one line electrical diagram covering listed modules and inverters, disconnects, and the rapid shutdown design. Utility interconnection is a separate approval that runs in parallel with the permit. Start at the Bernalillo County permit portal.
- Keep the office details handy. Bernalillo County Planning & Development Services, Building Section. Phone: (505) 314-0350. Address: 415 Silver Ave. SW, 2nd Floor, Albuquerque, NM 87102.
- Plan for inspections. In Bernalillo County, inspectors verify the installed array against the approved plans, and some agencies run a rough check of roof attachments and penetrations while they are still exposed before the wiring and roofing close them in. The final inspection confirms rapid shutdown, disconnects, grounding, and required labels are installed correctly, and the system cannot be energized until the utility separately approves interconnection.
Compiled from the official sources on this page. Last checked .
Permitting activity in Bernalillo County
In 2025, Bernalillo County authorized permits for 1,560 new residential housing units (668 single-family, 892 in multi-family buildings), valued at $314M, up from 1,316 the year before. That works out to about 2.3 permits per 1,000 residents.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, 2025 annual data · population 667,601.
Frequently asked questions
- Do you need a solar permit in Bernalillo County?
- The county adopts the Uniform Solar Energy Code and requires a separate permit for any building service equipment regulated by its codes; its exemption lists contain no solar item. It publishes a Solar Packet whose requirements apply to all solar installation applications, residential or commercial, and issues a Residential Building Solar Permit (BRSP). Roof arrays need engineering unless they meet the packet's prescriptive roof, weight and height criteria. Always confirm with the Bernalillo County Planning & Development Services, Building Section before starting.
- How much does a solar permit cost in Bernalillo County?
- Solar PV goes in as a residential solar building permit (BRSP), valuation-based under Resolution 25-2009 Table 3-A ("$30.00 plus $4.00 per $1,000.00 Valuation" plus "$30.00 plus $2.00 per $1,000.00 Valuation" plan review). Table 3-C prices solar thermal: "For solar collectors (including related piping, duct work and regulating devices): Up to 1000 sq. ft." $4.00, plus the $23.50 administrative charge. See the official fee schedule for current amounts.
- How long does a solar permit take in Bernalillo County?
- The general turn-around time for a residential building permit is five working days (Building Services FAQ). Times can vary by workload and project scope, so confirm with the office.
- Where do you apply for a solar permit in Bernalillo County?
- You can apply through the Bernalillo County permit portal or contact the Bernalillo County Planning & Development Services, Building Section directly. The links are listed on this page.
- Can a homeowner pull a solar permit themselves in Bernalillo County?
- Under New Mexico law (NMSA 1978, 60-13-3(D)(10), (11); 14.5.2.8(B) NMAC; 14.5.2.18 NMAC): Yes, with tight limits. CILA exempts from the contractor definition an individual who, alone or with wage-paid help, builds or makes installations, alterations or repairs to a single-family dwelling he owns and occupies or will occupy (60-13-3(D)(10)), and a person building or improving a single-family residence for personal use (60-13-3(D)(11)). The work must still meet all state codes, and CID's homeowner permit (14.5.2.18 NMAC) applies only to the owner's primary residence and its garages, carports and sheds, never to rental, other owned or commercial property. The homeowner must perform the major portion of the work by dollar amount and file a signed, notarized responsibility sheet. A homeowner electrical permit requires passing a CID homeowner electrical exam (75% to pass), a plumbing permit requires a competency showing that may include a written exam, and no homeowner permit is issued for HVAC, natural gas or LP gas work. The project may not be put on the market while under construction (doing so voids the permit and can bring unlicensed contracting charges), and only one single-family homeowner permit may be issued to the same owner in any 12-month period. Confirm how Bernalillo County applies this before you apply.
From the Library
What else needs a permit in Bernalillo County
Every other permit type we have verified for this jurisdiction, with the rule that applies here.
| Project | Permit needed? | Threshold | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom Remodel Permit | It depends | Before moving or adding plumbing fixtures, adding circuits, or making structural changes | Building work is valuation-based under Resolution 25-2009 Table 3-A ("$30.00 plus $4.00... |
| Deck Permit | It depends | height of a platform above grade; also not over a basement or story below and not part of an accessible route | ...under Administrative Resolution 25-2009 (effective May 1, 2009), Table 3-A: "$30.00... |
| Electrical Permit | It depends | Before adding or altering wiring, circuits, outlets, panels or services | Resolution 25-2009 Table 3-B Electrical Permit Fees: administrative charge $23.50 each |
| EV Charger Permit | It depends | Before installing a hardwired charger or a new 240-volt circuit or receptacle for an... | Resolution 25-2009 Table 3-B: administrative charge $23.50 each |
| Fence Permit | It depends | height of a fence or freestanding masonry wall above grade, measured on the lowest side; open-style fences such as chain-link any height as determined by the building official | ...footage of the wall." Otherwise building permits are valuation-based: "$30.00 plus... |
| HVAC Permit | It depends | Before installing or replacing a furnace, air conditioner, heat pump, boiler... | Resolution 25-2009 Table 3-C Mechanical Permit Fees: administrative charge $23.50 each |
| Patio Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...under Administrative Resolution 25-2009 (effective May 1, 2009), Table 3-A: "$30.00... |
| Plumbing Permit | It depends | Before installing, altering or relocating plumbing or gas piping, fixtures, sewer or... | Resolution 25-2009 Table 3-D Plumbing Permit Fees: administrative charge $23.50 each |
| Pool Permit | It depends | prefabricated pool accessory to a Group R-3 dwelling, installed entirely above ground, capacity not over 5,000 gallons | ...under Administrative Resolution 25-2009 (effective May 1, 2009), Table 3-A: "$30.00... |
| Roof Replacement Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...under Administrative Resolution 25-2009 (effective May 1, 2009), Table 3-A: "$30.00... |
| Shed Permit | It depends | one-story detached accessory building used as a tool or storage shed, playhouse or similar use | ...under Administrative Resolution 25-2009 (effective May 1, 2009), Table 3-A: "$30.00... |
| Water Heater Permit | Permit required | Any size | Plumbing (Table 3-D) and mechanical (Table 3-C) each carry a $23.50 administrative charge |
Solar Permit in other New Mexico localities
Everything above, sourced
Code references
National and state model-code sections the general guidance on this page is drawn from. They are not Bernalillo County documents; the office above sets the local rules.
How this solar permit page for Bernalillo County was verified. 2 official sources: bernco.gov, bernco.gov; fee schedule: official document. Last checked by Mario Bailey, not confirmed with Bernalillo County Planning & Development Services, Building Section. Rules change; confirm before you build. How we verify.
Last checked: Report an error on this page
Compare Solar Permit requirements across New Mexico localities