Chicago Solar Installation Guide

Chicago Solar Permitting & Interconnection— Complete 2025 Guide

Navigate Chicago's solar installation process from initial assessment through ComEd Permission to Operate. Understand Express Permit limits, inspection requirements, and interconnection timelines.

Chicago Express Permit Program

Fast-track permitting for most residential solar installations

Express Permit Eligible

1-3 days

Solar Limit

Up to 13.44 kW DC

Battery Limit

Up to 20 kWh

Residential only

Roof-mounted

Standard setbacks

No structural modifications

Standard Plan Review

2-4 weeks

Solar Limit

Over 13.44 kW DC

Battery Limit

Over 20 kWh

Detailed engineering plans

Structural analysis

Electrical load calculations

Site plan

Step-by-Step Installation Process

From initial assessment to system activation, here's exactly what happens during your Chicago solar installation.

Roof Assessment & System Design

1-2 weeks

Comprehensive evaluation of your property and custom system design

Structural engineering analysis for roof capacity

Shading analysis using satellite imagery and site visit

Electrical panel evaluation and upgrade planning

Energy usage analysis and system sizing

HOA/historic district compliance review

Chicago Express Permit Application

1-3 days

Fast-track permitting for qualifying residential systems

Systems up to 13.44 kW DC qualify for Express Permit

Battery systems up to 20 kWh included

Online application through Chicago building portal

Automatic approval for compliant applications

Larger systems require Standard Plan Review (2-4 weeks)

Professional Installation

1-3 days

NABCEP-certified installation following Chicago building codes

Licensed electrical contractor performs all work

Chicago-specific fire setback requirements (3 feet)

Proper grounding and bonding per NEC standards

Smart inverter installation (IEEE 1547-2018 compliant)

System commissioning and performance testing

City of Chicago Inspection

1-2 weeks

Required electrical inspection before system activation

Schedule inspection through Chicago 311 system

Inspector verifies code compliance and safety

Common inspection items: grounding, labeling, disconnects

Corrections addressed immediately if needed

Inspection certificate issued upon approval

ComEd Interconnection (PTO)

2-6 weeks

Utility approval and net metering setup

Submit interconnection application to ComEd

Utility review of system specifications

Net metering agreement execution (supply-only credits for 2025+)

Smart meter installation if needed

Permission to Operate (PTO) issued

Special Considerations for Chicago Properties

Certain property types require additional approvals or have specific requirements beyond standard permitting.

Historic District Properties

Additional approvals required for landmark buildings

Certificate of Appropriateness from Landmarks Commission

Low-profile panel requirements

Color and visibility restrictions

Extended review timeline (4-8 weeks additional)

Chicago Department of Planning and Development

HOA/Condo Association Properties

Illinois law protects solar rights with reasonable restrictions

Illinois Homeowners' Energy Policy Statement Act (765 ILCS 165)

HOAs cannot prohibit solar installations

Reasonable aesthetic guidelines allowed

Written notification to HOA recommended

Illinois General Assembly statute reference

Flat Roof Installations

Special considerations for Chicago's common flat roof buildings

Ballasted mounting systems preferred

Wind uplift calculations required

Snow load analysis for Chicago climate

Parapet wall integration planning

Structural engineer consultation included

Typical Project Timeline

Most Chicago residential solar projects are completed within 6-10 weeks from contract signing to system activation.

Express Permit Track

Design & Engineering1-2 weeks

Express Permit1-3 days

Installation1-3 days

City Inspection1-2 weeks

ComEd PTO2-6 weeks

Total Timeline6-10 weeks

Standard Review Track

Design & Engineering2-3 weeks

Standard Plan Review2-4 weeks

Installation2-5 days

City Inspection1-2 weeks

ComEd PTO2-6 weeks

Total Timeline8-14 weeks

Official Resources & Contacts

Direct links to Chicago and ComEd resources for permits, inspections, and interconnection.

Chicago Building Permits

Online permit applications and status tracking

chicago.gov/permits

Call 311 for permit questions

Chicago Landmarks Commission

Historic district approvals and guidelines

chicago.gov/landmarks

Department of Planning and Development

ComEd Interconnection

Net metering applications and PTO process

comed.com/interconnection

1-800-EDISON-1

Illinois General Assembly

HOA solar rights statute (765 ILCS 165)

ilga.gov

Legal reference for solar rights

Chicago 311

Inspection scheduling and city services

311.chicago.gov

Call 311 or use mobile app

NABCEP Certification

Verify installer certifications

nabcep.org

Professional certification database

We Handle All Permits & Inspections

Don't navigate Chicago's permitting process alone. Our experienced team manages every step from Express Permit application through ComEd interconnection.

Licensed Chicago Contractor

All Permits Included

ComEd PTO Guaranteed