Solar Permit in Charleston, South Carolina

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a solar permit in Charleston?

Charleston requires a solar permit for residential photovoltaic panels, with no system-size, kilowatt or cost floor published in the guideline or the fee schedule and no solar entry on the statewide exemption list at S.C. Code 40-59-265. Building Inspections review is required on every array; Zoning review is added only for ground-mounted arrays and BAR review only inside a designated historic district. The submittal is heavier than in many cities: alongside the roof plan showing array locations, roof access and pathways, the city requires a structural engineer's letter, report or plan signed and sealed by a South Carolina design professional for roof-supported or ground-supported arrays, plus an electrical single-line diagram and array specifications. A separate electrical trade sub-permit is always required, and the guideline notes there are no inspections under that permit because the inspections ride on the solar permit. Always confirm with the City of Charleston Permit Center, Development and Construction Services (Building Inspections Division) before starting.

How much does a solar permit cost in Charleston?

Two permits, two fees. The guideline charges the array as a "Residential - Alterations & Repairs permit fee per Building and Trade Permit Fee Schedule," which is a $40.00 non-refundable application fee plus "$15.00 for the first $1,000 construction valuation, plus $5.00 for each additional thousand or fraction thereof, to and including $50,000." The electrical sub-permit carries its own $40.00 application fee plus the Electrical Permit Fee Table rate of "$0.25 per ampere (amp)" for new, replacement or upgrade service. Schedule approved by Ordinance Nos. 2017-131, 2019-064 and 2019-072, effective October 1, 2019. See the official fee schedule for current amounts.

How long does a solar permit take in Charleston?

Possible same-visit approval. "Solar Panels (Residential)" is on the Permit Center's "Menu of 'Express' Permits (In Person Only)," which "have the possibility of receiving over-the-counter in-person approval if submitted and walked through the Permit Center from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., however approval is never a guarantee.". Times can vary by workload and project scope, so confirm with the office.

Where do you apply for a solar permit in Charleston?

You can apply through the Charleston permit portal or contact the City of Charleston Permit Center, Development and Construction Services (Building Inspections Division) directly. The links are listed on this page.

Can a homeowner pull a solar permit themselves in Charleston?

Under South Carolina law (S.C. Code Ann. 40-59-260(A), (B), (C), (E), (F); 40-59-265; 40-59-280; 40-59-20(6), (7); 40-59-30(A)): South Carolina licenses residential builders and residential specialty contractors under S.C. Code Title 40 Chapter 59, and 40-59-260 exempts the owner of record who builds for himself. The exemption applies only if the owner does the work himself, with his own employees, or with licensed contractors or registered entities, if the structure is intended for the owner's sole occupancy or occupancy by the owner's family and is not intended for sale or rent, and if the general public does not have access to it. The owner must personally appear and sign the building permit application, and the local permitting agency must hand over a disclosure statement whose statutory text reads in part: You must supervise the construction yourself. You may build or improve a one-family or two-family residence. The building must be for your own use and occupancy. It may not be built for sale or rent. The sale restriction is two years and is a presumption rather than a flat bar: 40-59-260(B) makes proof of sale or rent, or of offering for sale or rent, within two years after completion or issuance of a certificate of occupancy prima facie evidence that the project was undertaken for sale or rent, which forfeits the exemption and exposes the owner to the chapter's penalties. South Carolina then adds a step no other state in this wave has: 40-59-260(E) requires the owner to promptly record a notice with the register of deeds, indexed under the owner's name in the grantor index, stating that the building was constructed by the owner as an unlicensed builder, and failure to record revokes the statutory exemption. The exemption is from the licensing chapter, not from the permit, and 40-59-280 requires the building official to refuse a permit unless the applicant furnishes evidence of licensure, registration, or exemption. Confirm how Charleston applies this before you apply.