South Bend, IN Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

South Bend does not run a separate solar ordinance; a solar array is permitted through the same Article 6 Electrical Code process that governs all wiring work. 00 plus percentage of the construction cost of the whole project, as established by the Department's fee schedule. That base $60 fee is the citywide electrical-permit minimum under Section 6-24(c); the added percentage charge is specific to solar and scales with the size of the installation. As with any other electrical work, Section 6-24(b) triples the permit fee as a penalty if installation starts before the permit issues, and the electrician performing the work must hold a current Class A or Class B contractor's registration from the Building Department under Section 6-23, which requires a passing exam, at least four years' documented experience, a $125 registration fee, and a $10,000 surety bond for Class A contractors, unless the work is done by an owner-occupant on their own single-family dwelling.

Section 6-25 requires the Electrical Inspector to inspect the completed installation, with 24 hours' notice before any wiring is concealed and a $60 fee charged for each reinspection after a failed stage. Because the array is wired equipment under the Indiana Electrical Code (675 IAC 17), adopted by reference in Section 6-5(a)(4), the installation must also meet that state code's technical standards.