Paterson, NJ Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit type
- Electrical subcode (P.V. system)
- 1-50 kW fee
- $70
- 51-100 kW fee
- $150
- Over 100 kW fee
- $612
- Plan review surcharge
- 20% of permit fee
Summary
Installing rooftop solar panels in Paterson requires an electrical subcode permit, with the fee scaled to system size under City Code §183-7, $70 for 1-50 kW, $150 for 51-100 kW, $612 above 100 kW.
Photovoltaic system (P.V. system).
Number of Units Fee 1 to 50 kw $70 51 to 100 kw $150 Greater than 100 kw $612
J. Elevators.
Type of Installation Fee New installation 1 to 10 floors $350 Over 10 floors $612 Replacement, same as above Repairs $100
K. Class 15, permits.
(1) For this item:
(a) Yearly permit: $175.
(b) Working without a permit: $1,500 a day plus fees for permits.
L. Class 16. Electrical license test is given by the State of New Jersey Electrical Examiners, Department of Community Affairs.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4713536; v19 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
Photovoltaic installations fall under the electrical subcode administered by the Paterson Construction Code Enforcing Agency (§183-1), which enforces the state Uniform Construction Code and its incorporated electrical requirements. Chapter 183's electrical subcode fee table sets a dedicated 'Photovoltaic system (P.V. system)' fee class: $70 for systems up to 50 kW, $150 for 51 to 100 kW, and $612 for systems over 100 kW (§183-7). As with any construction permit, the total fee also includes a 20% plan-review charge (§183-8) and requires prepayment plus a current-taxes certification from the Tax Collector before the Construction Official issues the permit (§183-4).
Violations & Fines
Installing panels without an electrical subcode permit exposes the installer to code enforcement and can prevent final sign-off; the 20% plan-review fee must be paid before drawings are reviewed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a solar panel permit in Paterson for a typical home system?
Who issues Paterson solar permits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
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