Solar Panel Permitting Process in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
- Blue Energy Electric
- Sep 11
- 5 min read
Getting solar installed shouldn’t be complicated. That’s why Blue Energy Electric helps homeowners in Palm Beach Gardens handle the entire permitting process—from application to inspection and utility interconnection.
Since 2012, we've specialized in designing solar systems that meet Florida’s building codes, wind load requirements, and utility regulations. If you’re not sure how to start the permit process—or want it done right the first time — call us at 772-232-6594 or contact us here for professional guidance.
We make sure the entire process is fast, code-compliant, and stress-free.
Where Do You Apply for a Solar Permit in Palm Beach Gardens?
All residential solar permits in Palm Beach Gardens must be submitted online through the city’s official Citizen Self-Service Permitting Portal.
The portal allows homeowners or licensed contractors to:
Submit permit applications
Upload construction documents and engineering plans
Track the status of submittals and inspections
Communicate directly with the Building Division
Before applying, be sure to check all required documents and digital plan requirements listed on the Building Division’s official page.
What Forms Are Required to Start the Process?
To begin the solar permitting process, you’ll need to complete the official Building Permit Application Form (Jan 2024 edition).
The application package must include:
Complete scope of work (photovoltaic system details)
Site plan with panel layout
Structural load calculations (if required)
Notice of Commencement (NOC) if the job exceeds $2,500
Product approvals for racking and inverters
Electrical diagrams
You must also follow all instructions in the Permit Policies & Submittals Guide. Incomplete or incorrectly labeled files can delay review or result in rejections.
What Building Codes Must Solar Projects Follow?
Solar panel installations in Palm Beach Gardens must comply with the 2023 Florida Building Code – Structural and related sections governing wind and electrical safety.
Key code sections include:
ASCE 7-16 Wind Load Calculations for rooftop-mounted systems
FBC Section R905.17, which outlines PV installation over roofing materials
Mounting systems must be engineered for uplift resistance per Florida’s coastal zone requirements
Installers are also expected to use the local wind speed design map for accurate load calculations during structural planning.
How Are Solar Panels Affected by Wind Load in Palm Beach Gardens?
Palm Beach Gardens is in a high-velocity hurricane zone (HVHZ), meaning all rooftop PV systems must be engineered to withstand wind uplift forces as defined in ASCE 7-16.
Important points to consider:
Solar panels are classified as dead load
Mounting hardware must have tested and approved wind uplift resistance
Roof attachment methods must meet state-approved product approval numbers
If improperly installed, panels may fail under extreme wind conditions. That’s why Blue Energy Electric uses certified mounting systems, stamped engineering, and FBC-compliant layouts on every project.
What Are the Permit Fees for Solar in Palm Beach Gardens?
Solar permit fees in Palm Beach Gardens are calculated based on the value of the improvements. The city uses a tiered fee model, detailed in its official Master Fee Schedule PDF.
Typical Fees Include:
Plan Review & Inspection Fee: $2.25 per $1,000 of job valueMinimum fee: $75
Additional Electrical or Structural Review Fees: May apply depending on system complexity
Reinspection or Revision Fees: Charged if corrections or changes are needed
These fees are submitted during the online application process and are paid before permit issuance. Blue Energy Electric ensures all fees are calculated accurately to avoid processing delays.
How and When Are Inspections Scheduled?
Once your permit is issued, inspections are required at key stages of the project:
Rough Electrical Inspection
Final Electrical Inspection
Structural Inspection (if applicable)
Inspections in Palm Beach Gardens are conducted Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can schedule inspections directly through the City’s Building Division portal or by calling the inspection line.
Blue Energy Electric manages all inspection scheduling and coordination with city officials—ensuring your system meets all code requirements and passes without delays.
What Is a Notice of Commencement (NOC), and Is It Required?
Yes. In accordance with Florida Statute §713.13, any solar project over $2,500 in value requires a recorded Notice of Commencement (NOC) before the first inspection.
NOC Requirements:
Must be recorded with the Palm Beach County Clerk’s Office
A copy must be posted on site before any inspection
Applies to projects with direct contract values over $2,500
The City also includes NOC requirements in its Universal Permit Application Packet. Blue Energy Electric helps prepare and record your NOC to ensure compliance and prevent inspection holds.
Can an HOA Block My Solar Installation?
No. Under Florida Statute §163.04, homeowners associations (HOAs) cannot prohibit you from installing solar panels on your property.
However, an HOA can:
Impose reasonable restrictions related to location, aesthetics, or materials
Suggest alternative panel placements as long as they don’t reduce system performance
In short, your HOA can’t stop you from going solar, but they may request layout modifications. Blue Energy Electric works directly with HOAs to submit designs that comply with association guidelines while still maintaining system efficiency.
What Happens After the Permit and Inspection Are Approved?
Once your permit passes all required inspections, the final step is getting your system connected to the utility grid.
In Palm Beach Gardens, interconnection is handled by Florida Power & Light (FPL) through its Net Metering Program. This program allows your solar system to send excess electricity back to the grid for credit.
Final Steps Include:
Submitting the final interconnection application to FPL
Installing a bi-directional meter for net metering
Coordinating system activation with FPL
Receiving final Permission to Operate (PTO)
Blue Energy Electric manages this process on your behalf—ensuring your system is approved, activated, and fully functional without delays.
What If My Property Is Outside the City Limits?
If your home is outside Palm Beach Gardens city limits and within unincorporated Palm Beach County, you may qualify for the SolarAPP+ expedited permitting system.
Key Resources:
This system is available for qualifying single-family homes and can significantly reduce permitting time. If you live within city limits, however, SolarAPP+ does not apply—you must use the City of Palm Beach Gardens’ own permitting system.
Not sure which jurisdiction you fall under? Call Blue Energy Electric at 772-232-6594 and we’ll confirm for you.
Need Help Navigating Solar Permits in Palm Beach Gardens?
Navigating solar permits, structural codes, wind calculations, and utility paperwork can be overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Blue Energy Electric handles everything in-house, from engineering to FPL approval.
We offer:
Full permit application preparation and digital submittal
Structural load calculations and stamped engineering
Product approvals and code-compliant documentation
HOA coordination and NOC filing
Inspection scheduling and utility interconnection
Whether you live in Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Wellington, or nearby areas, our experienced team makes the solar transition smooth, fast, and 100% compliant.
Call us at 772-232-6594 or
Request permit assistance through our contact page to get started today.
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