Solar Energy in Michigan (2026)
15 rules on the books across Michigan, 14 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Panel Permits
Permits required for installing rooftop or ground-mounted solar panels, including electrical inspections and interconnection approvals.
Battle Creek
Some RestrictionsBattle Creek, Michigan permits roof-mounted and wall-mounted solar energy systems for on-site use as personal-scale…
Read full rule →Clinton Township
Some RestrictionsClinton Township regulates solar energy systems under Zoning Code Section 1154.19, splitting the rules by district and…
Read full rule →Dearborn
Some RestrictionsDearborn treats a freestanding solar panel as an accessory structure that needs a building permit and zoning-compliance…
Read full rule →Dearborn Heights
Some RestrictionsIn the City of Dearborn Heights, City Code Sec. 36-234 requires a permit from the building and engineering department…
Read full rule →Grand Rapids
Some RestrictionsGrand Rapids allows solar energy systems as an accessory use in every zone district by right, but sets fixed placement…
Read full rule →Lansing
Some RestrictionsLansing lets roof-mounted solar panels poke above a district's height limit by up to 36 inches under Zoning Code §…
Read full rule →Livonia
Some RestrictionsLivonia allows roof, wall, and ground-mounted solar panels as accessory structures in every zoning district, but a…
Read full rule →Pontiac
Some RestrictionsThe City of Pontiac requires a building permit before installing any rooftop, building-mounted, or ground-mounted solar…
Read full rule →Rochester Hills
Some RestrictionsRochester Hills requires a building permit for both rooftop and ground-mounted solar energy systems in every zoning…
Read full rule →Royal Oak
Some RestrictionsIn the City of Royal Oak, a rooftop or ground-mounted solar energy system needs a building permit before installation…
Read full rule →Sterling Heights
Some RestrictionsRoof-mounted solar panels are a permitted accessory use in every Sterling Heights zoning district, capped at 10 feet…
Read full rule →Westland
Some RestrictionsWestland charges a $25 electrical permit fee per solar photovoltaic system under 5,000 kW inverter capacity, and $35…
Read full rule →Troy
Light RestrictionsTroy allows active and passive solar energy devices in every zoning district by right, needing only administrative…
Read full rule →Wyoming
Light RestrictionsWyoming, Michigan treats solar photovoltaic and solar hot-water panels as an accessory use permitted by right in every…
Read full rule →HOA Restrictions
State and local laws that limit what HOAs can restrict when it comes to solar panel installation, placement, and appearance.