Nashville, TN Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Electrical permit citation
- Metro Code § 16.20.160
- Building permit citation
- Metro Code § 16.28.010
- Issuing office
- Dept. of Codes Administration
- Homeowner DIY permit limit
- 1 per 12 months
- Working without permit penalty
- Fee tripled
Summary
Metro Nashville has no solar-specific ordinance. Installing panels requires a standard electrical permit before hookup, plus a building permit for the roof or ground mount, both from Codes Administration.
It shall be the duty of every person legally entitled to apply for and receive an electrical permit, to make application for and to obtain the required electrical permit from the department of codes administration prior to the installation of any electrical system or part thereof and prior to the connection of any such electrical installation or electrical system to any public or private source of supply, and prior to the installation of any electrical device, equipment, appliance, or fixture...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 53 | Charter: Republication 9).
Full Breakdown
Metro's code doesn't single out solar photovoltaic systems; installers work through the same permit chapters that cover any electrical or building work. Metropolitan Code § 16.20.160 requires an electrical permit from the Department of Codes Administration before installing any electrical system or connecting it to a power source: this covers the panels' wiring and inverter. § 16.28.010 separately requires a building permit for the mounting structure. A resident homeowner can pull their own electrical permit under § 16.20.040 for work on their principal dwelling, but only one such permit per twelve months, and the homeowner must do the work personally.
Violations & Fines
Starting electrical work, including connecting solar panels, before the permit issues triples the permit fee under § 16.20.250(B). Unregistered contractors cannot be issued a permit under § 16.20.190.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a dedicated solar permit in Nashville?
Can a homeowner install their own solar panels?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nashville
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