Philadelphia's Solar Energy: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles solar energy a little differently. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Expedited Solar Permitting

Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections runs an expedited EZ Solar permit pathway for one- and two-family residential rooftop photovoltaic systems under fifteen kilowatts. Eligible projects clear plan review the same day through the eClipse online portal with reduced fees.

Key details: Program: EZ Solar through eClipse. Size cap: Under 15 kilowatts AC. Eligibility: 1-2 family rooftop only. Net metering rule: 52 Pa. Code 75.13.

Installing solar without an L and I permit triggers stop-work orders under Philadelphia Code 1-110, fines up to two thousand dollars per day under section A-1004, and re-inspection fees plus mandatory after-the-fact permit fees doubled.

Philadelphia is more permissive than most cities when it comes to expedited solar permitting. That said, there are still limits.

Community Solar

Pennsylvania House Bill 1842 of 2024 would create a statewide community-solar program letting Philadelphia renters subscribe to shared arrays for bill credits. The bill stalled in committee, so PECO customers cannot yet purchase community-solar shares within Philadelphia city limits.

Key details: Pending bill: PA HB 1842 of 2024. Status: Stalled in committee. Local alternative: Solarize Philly purchase. Utility framework: 66 Pa.C.S. 2806.

Because no community-solar law is in force, no Philadelphia operators currently market subscriptions; advertising unauthorized subscription credits violates PA UTPCPL section 201-2 deceptive-practice rules, with civil penalties up to three thousand dollars per violation.

Panel Permits

Philadelphia permits solar collectors in all zoning districts under §14-604(7). Roof-mounted systems on 1-2 family homes of 10kW or less qualify for an EZ permit (processed in 3 business days). Larger systems require standard permits (20 business days). Ground-mounted systems cannot exceed 20 ft height and are limited to 1,000 sq ft in residential districts.

Key details: EZ Permit: 1-2 family, 10kW or less, 3 business days. Standard Permit: 20 business days for larger systems. Roof Height: Max 9 ft above roof surface. Ground-Mount Max: 20 ft height, 1,000 sq ft in residential. Code: §14-604(7).

Installation without permit: retroactive permit required plus fines $200 to $1,000. Electrical code violations: correction order. Failure to obtain utility interconnection: system must be disconnected.

HOA Restrictions

Pennsylvania does not have a statewide solar access law that overrides HOA restrictions on solar panels. Philadelphia's zoning code §14-604(7) permits solar collectors in all zoning districts, but this does not override private HOA covenants. Homeowners in HOA-governed communities should review their CC&Rs before installation.

Key details: State Law: No PA solar access statute overriding HOAs. Zoning: §14-604(7) permits solar in all districts. HOA Authority: Private covenants may restrict placement. Recommendation: Review CC&Rs before installation.

HOA fines for non-compliance with aesthetic guidelines: varies by CC&Rs. Installing without HOA approval where required: typically $50 to $200 fines until resolved. HOA illegally blocking solar: homeowner may recover legal costs.

Philadelphia is more permissive than most cities when it comes to hoa restrictions. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Philadelphia gives residents more room on solar energy. 2 of the 4 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

These rules come from Philadelphia's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.