Terms and Conditions for Small-Scale Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System

Construction

Work authorized by this permit must comply with the General Terms and Conditions for New Construction and Temporary Structures.

Existing condition inspection

Before submitting this type of permit application, the Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer who prepares the drawings submitted with the permit application, or a person acting under the responsible control of that architect or structural engineer, must conduct an in-person inspection of the property to confirm: (1) the structural capacity of the existing roof structure, and (2) the condition of the existing electrical system.

Output and storage capacity

Solar PV systems permitted using the Express Permit Program are limited to an output capacity of 13.44 kW. Energy storage systems permitted using the Express Permit Program are limited to a storage capacity of 20 kWh (10 kWh for non-lithium-ion batteries). Only one installation is allowed per ComEd electrical service connection.

Roof-mounted installation

This permit authorizes installation of a solar PV system on the roof of an existing building. This permit does not authorize installation of solar PV components that are attached to a building’s walls or ground mounted.

Zoning requirements

Solar PV equipment must comply with the Chicago Zoning Ordinance. Zoning requirements applicable to Solar PV installation are summarized in the Solar Zoning Policy.

Location on roof

Solar PV equipment may not be installed within 3 feet of the edge of a roof surface on a residential building. Solar PV equipment may not be installed within 4 feet of the edge of a roof surface on a non-residential or mixed-use building.

Listed and labeled equipment

Primary electrical equipment (panels, inverters, and energy storage) must be listed and labeled by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). The equipment must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. A copy of the manufacturer’s installation instructions must be on site at the time of inspection.

Rapid shutdown signage

A permanent label describing the type of rapid shutdown system must be installed when a solar PV system includes a rapid shutdown system in accordance with the Chicago Fire Prevention Code.

Structural design

Solar PV systems and their mounting equipment must be installed in accordance with the structural design prepared by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer that was submitted as part of the permit application.  

Electrical work

Electrical work must comply with the edition of the Chicago Electrical Code in effect at the time when the permit application was submitted to the Department of Buildings. Electrical work must be performed by the Chicago-licensed electrical contractor listed on the permit application.

Existing electrical deficiencies

Deficiencies in the existing building electrical system, including the means of grounding and bonding, must be corrected by the electrical contractor listed on this permit before any solar PV equipment is connected.

Roof penetrations

If the existing roof covering is penetrated, each penetration must be sealed to prevent water infiltration.

Illinois distributed generation installer

Where required by Illinois law, work involving a solar PV system must be performed by persons working under a certified Illinois distributed generation installer. For more information, contact the Illinois Commerce Commission.

Illinois roofing contractor license

Where required by Illinois law, roofing work must be performed by persons working under a valid Illinois roofing contractor license. For more information, contact the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.