North Dakota Statewide Rule
North Dakota Solar Panel Electrical and Building Permits
Key Facts
- Statute
- NDCC Chapter 43-09
- Code
- NEC Article 690
- Permit Authority
- State Electrical Board
- Net Metering
- PSC NDCC 49-02
- Building Permit
- Local under IRC
Summary
North Dakota requires electrical permits for solar photovoltaic installations under NDCC Chapter 43-09 and building permits under the state-adopted IRC and IBC. The State Electrical Board licenses installers and inspects work uniformly statewide.
43-09-09. License required - Examination - Board to issue license. 1. A person may not undertake or plan to undertake with another person to plan, lay out, supervise, install, make additions, make alterations, or make repairs, in the installation of wiring, apparatus, or equipment for electric light, heat, or power or for a power limited system, unless licensed by the board. 2. The board shall examine an applicant for licensure and if, upon a technical and practical examination, the applicant is found to possess the required knowledge and skill and to be versed in the laws of electricity, the applicant shall be issued a license in the class for which the applicant was examined. The license must be signed by the president and the secretary of the board and attested by the seal of the board. 3. Each licensee or permitholder shall report that individual's licensing or renewals to the electrical inspector, if there is one, in the city in which that individual operates.
Full Breakdown
All solar PV installations in North Dakota require an electrical permit issued by the State Electrical Board under NDCC Chapter 43-09. Only licensed master or class B electricians may perform solar installations; homeowner self-installation is restricted to owner-occupied single-family dwellings with proper permitting. The state adopts the National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 690 governing PV systems, including rapid-shutdown and grounding requirements. Building permits for roof-mounted arrays are issued locally under the state-adopted IRC, which requires structural review for load capacity. Net metering is governed by Public Service Commission rules under NDCC Chapter 49-02. The state framework preempts weaker local electrical standards.
Violations & Penalties
Unlicensed solar installation is a class B misdemeanor; uninspected work cannot be energized and may void homeowner insurance and warranties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install solar panels myself in North Dakota?
Does North Dakota offer net metering for solar?
Sources
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.