Bernalillo County, NM Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Building/electrical permit before install
- Submittal
- Electronic copies required for solar apps
- Inspection
- Dedicated Solar Energy inspection
- Coverage
- Unincorporated county only
- Max penalty
- $300 fine / 90 days jail
Summary
Installing solar panels in unincorporated Bernalillo County requires a building or electrical permit from the Building Division before work starts, and every solar application must include electronic plan copies.
Submittal Documents. With each application for a building permit, and when required by the CBO or authorized representative for enforcement of any provisions of this Code, one set of printed plans (Minimum size of 10 x 17 inches) and specifications shall be submitted: (Electronic copies of commercial, solar and pool applications shall be submitted in addition to the printed plans.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 92).
Full Breakdown
Bernalillo County Code § 10-36 adopts the county's Uniform Administrative Code, which bars erecting, altering or installing any building or building service equipment without a permit from the CBO (Building Official). Solar arrays are not on the code's exempt-work list, so rooftop and ground-mount systems need a permit. Applicants must submit printed plans plus, specifically for solar jobs, electronic copies of the application (§ 10-36, Uniform Administrative Code § 105.3), and completed installations get a dedicated Solar Energy inspection before final sign-off (§ 110.5.2). This applies only outside incorporated cities and villages. Albuquerque runs solar permitting under its own Integrated Development Ordinance.
Violations & Fines
Installing solar panels without the required CBO permit is a Code violation punishable by up to a $300 fine, 90 days imprisonment, or both (§ 1-6), and the county may also revoke the permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to install solar panels in unincorporated Bernalillo County?
Does this permit rule apply if I live in Albuquerque?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bernalillo County
Compare Bernalillo County to another location·View the New Mexico solar energy overview
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