Pima County requires building and electrical permits for solar panel installations on residential and commercial properties. Arizona Solar Rights Act (ARS 33-1816) prohibits HOAs and municipalities from banning solar installations. Pima County Development Services processes solar permits with a streamlined residential solar pathway for rooftop systems under 10 kW.
Pima County Development Services requires a combined building and electrical permit for all solar photovoltaic installations. Residential rooftop systems under 10 kW qualify for a streamlined permitting process with over-the-counter approval available for standard installations on code-compliant roofs. Systems over 10 kW or ground-mounted arrays require full plan review. The Arizona Solar Rights Act (ARS 33-1816) is a state-level preemption that prevents any covenant, restriction, or condition from prohibiting the installation of solar energy devices. This means HOAs in Pima County cannot ban solar panels, though they may impose reasonable restrictions on placement that do not increase cost by more than $1,000 or decrease system efficiency by more than 10 percent. Tucson Electric Power (TEP) serves most of Pima County and offers net metering under the ACC (Arizona Corporation Commission) rules. Interconnection agreements with TEP are required before system activation. The county does not impose additional solar access or setback requirements beyond the building code.
Installing solar panels without permits results in code enforcement notices and potential fines. The system may need to be disconnected until proper permits and inspections are completed. HOAs that unlawfully prohibit solar installations may face civil action under ARS 33-1816, with the HOA liable for the homeowners attorney fees.
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