Alternative Energy Information

New Residential Building

• If installer is a licensed electrical contractor, then the electrical contractor will apply for an electrical permit for the type of dwelling and amperage of service & select solar on the permit application
• If installer is not an electrician the solar installer will submit an application for an alternate energy permit & provide solar information – If the system will be grid tied then a licensed electrical contractor is required to perform the needed wiring. If Electrical Contractor is doing the entire project, then the contractor would obtain a permit as indicated above. If Electrical Contractor is only connecting solar then the contractor would apply for a permit for residential change of service, option (i) on the residential electrical application and provide solar information.
• A homeowner can install the alternate energy system by obtaining a homeowner electrical permit for single family interior/exterior wire or rewire, option (h) & provide solar information. - If the system will be grid tied a licensed electrical contractor is required to perform the needed wiring. If Electrical Contractor is doing the entire project, then the contractor would obtain a permit as indicated above. If contractor is only connecting system to the grid, then they would apply for a residential electrical permit option (i) & provide solar information

 See the Flow Chart to determine when a permit is required for solar installation.

Commercial Solar

All commercial work requires a licensed electrical contractor. If the project includes solar the electrical contractor will apply for a permit for the project & select solar. The fee is based on the total value of the electrical work, including solar.

A permit and inspection are required for wind turbines being installed. The applicant must pull a building permit for the raised platform(s) and associated foundation(s) or pier(s).  The permit fee is calculated based on the cost of construction for the new platform(s)/foundation(s) and associated equipment.

If new raceways and wiring carrying 90 volts or more are being installed those require an electrical permit and need to be installed by a licensed Montana Unlimited Electrical Contractor.

• Replacement of same for same equipment in the same location(s) is considered maintenance and does not require state permitting or inspection.
• The cost of swapping out existing equipment for those sites is not included in the scope of the permit or fees.
• Raceways and associated wiring under 90 Volts including Fiber is exempt from inspections and permitting.
• Public utility electric energy generation facilities are exempt from permitting and inspection requirements.