Centennial, CO Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Roof-mounts
- Permitted on any building, all districts
- Ground-mounts
- Must meet accessory-building setbacks
- Grid-tied systems
- Interconnect agreement required first
- Governing code
- LDC § 12-3-607
Summary
Centennial's Land Development Code allows roof-mounted solar panels on any building in every zoning district, but ground-mounted photovoltaic arrays must meet accessory-building setbacks and grid-tied systems need a signed interconnect agreement before hookup.
B.Interconnect Agreements Required. If a photovoltaic array...is to be interconnected to the electric utility grid, proof of an executed interconnect agreement shall be provided before the system is interconnected. ... C.1.Roof-Mounts. Photovoltaic arrays may be roof-mounted on principal and accessory buildings in all districts.2.Ground-Mounts. Ground or structure-mounted photovoltaic arrays (not mounted on buildings) shall be set back as if they were detached accessory buildings.
Full Breakdown
Section 12-3-607 of the Centennial Land Development Code treats photovoltaic arrays as accessory improvements: roof-mounts on principal or accessory buildings are permitted in every zoning district with no separate use approval, while ground- or structure-mounted arrays must observe the same setbacks required for a detached accessory building. Carports and covered walkways in multifamily developments may be topped with panels regardless of where they sit on the parcel. Before any system that ties into the electric grid is energized, the owner must supply proof of an executed interconnect agreement with the utility, and the installation cannot be operated as a commercial power-generation enterprise under Public Utilities Commission rules.
Violations & Fines
Ground-mounted arrays placed inside the required accessory-building setback, or grid-tied systems energized without a filed interconnect agreement, are code violations the Community Development Director can require corrected before final inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need city approval to put solar panels on my roof in Centennial?
Can I put my solar panels on the ground instead of the roof?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Centennial
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Panel Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Arapahoe County handle panel permits.