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You need an Electrical Permit to install, alter, renew, replace, or repair solar panels. You may also require a separate Building Permit.

The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues Electrical and Building permits to install solar panels.

Certain solar panel installations are eligible for an EZ permit. You will only require an Electrical Permit and do not require a separate Building Permit.

No plans are required for an EZ permit.

Projects meeting the following criteria are eligible for an EZ permit:

You must submit a separate application to PECO for interconnection with the power grid.

Any property owner or their authorized agent can apply for this permit. Authorized agents may include:

Application must include complete scope of work and current owner information.

A licensed electrical contractor must perform all electrical work. The contractor must:

If anyone other than the electrical contractor applies, the application must be accompanied by a signed statement on the electrical contractor’s letterhead confirming their association with the project.

The owner or the owner’s agent must hire a licensed electrical inspection agency to perform all inspections.

If your application requires plans, they must follow plan requirements.

You must have this approval in order to apply. L&I will refuse your permit application without Historical Commission approval. See how to get approval for work to a historic property. 

You’ll need your plans with stamped approval from the Historical Commission before you make your application at the Permit and License Center in the MSB.

Submit your stamped plan as proof of approval when making your application. 

Upload all plans and materials required by the Philadelphia Historical Commission when you apply for your permit in eCLIPSE.

The Historical Commission will perform its review electronically and provide approval directly to L&I.

Online You can apply online using eCLIPSE. If you need help filing your application online, you can schedule a virtual appointment. In person You need an appointment to visit the Permit and License Center in person. Permit and License Center 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd. MSB, Public Service Concourse Philadelphia, PA 19102 Office hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday Offices close at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.

You can apply online using eCLIPSE.

If you need help filing your application online, you can schedule a virtual appointment.

You need an appointment to visit the Permit and License Center in person.

Permit and License Center 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd. MSB, Public Service Concourse Philadelphia, PA 19102

Office hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

Offices close at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.

This payment will be credited towards the final permit fee.

This fee is nonrefundable and must be turned in with your application.

Applications for new construction that include plans are eligible for expedited review. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5 business days.

To apply, fill out an Accelerated Plan Review Request form and submit with your permit application. Accelerated review fees will not be credited toward your final permit fee.

Payment methods and details Accepted payment methods Where Accepted payment Online through the eCLIPSE application

(There is a $200,000 limit for online payments.)

(Items paid at the Cashier’s Station will be mailed within five business days.)

L&I will not accept checks that are missing depository information or are:

If your check is returned unpaid for insufficient or uncollected funds:

If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.

You can apply for this permit in person at the Permit and License Center or online using eCLIPSE.

The application type determines how long it will take to issue your permit.

If not approved, the applicant will receive an email stating what is missing or required. If you submit revisions, the re-review will be subject to standard review times.

Before a permit may be issued, the contractor must be identified and confirm association with the project.

Contact your licensed electrical inspection agency when your contractor is ready to start work. The agency must complete an inspection certification.

A Certificate of Approval will be issued upon successful completion of all required inspections.

If applying as a licensed professional or contractor, you must first associate your license or registration with your online account.

If not approved, the applicant will receive an email stating what is missing or required. If you submit revisions, the re-review will be subject to standard review times.

Before a permit may be issued, the contractor must be identified and confirm association with the project.

Contact your licensed electrical inspection agency when your contractor is ready to start work. The agency must complete an inspection certification.

A Certificate of Approval will be issued upon successful completion of all required inspections.

If you have any questions, submit an online request to 311 or call 311. Call (215) 686-8686 if you are outside Philadelphia.