Upload these forms with your building permit application:
- Schedule 1 Designer Form (PDF) – if a designer is involved
- Commitment to general review form (PDF) – unless exempt
Solar Panels
Follow these steps to plan your solar panel installation, apply for a permit and book inspections.
This page is for solar panels installed on a building.
Tip: print this page and use it as a checklist.
On this page:
1. Check if you need a permit
You need a building permit for solar panel installations when they:
- are more than 5 m² in total area and installed on a building
- are designed to provide hot water
- are designed to provide primary or supplementary heating
You do not need a permit for ground-mounted systems that are not connected to water or heating sources.
2. Confirm zoning and planning rules
Before applying, make sure all necessary zoning and planning approvals are complete.
Large building projects may require:
- site plan approval
- a minor variance
- amendments to the zoning bylaw or official plan
Visit the business, planning and development page for approval requirements.
The Planning team must approve your project before you apply for a building permit.
3. Confirm who can prepare your drawings
The qualifications depend on the type of building and roof structure.
Conventional framed roof - a BCIN-qualified structural designer or a professional engineer can design the system. A professional engineer must also perform a field review.
Roof with engineered trusses – a professional engineer must design the system and perform a field review.
Large building – a professional engineer must design the system and perform a field review.
4. Prepare your drawings
All drawings must be to scale and dated.
For detached, semi-detached, and townhouse homes up to 2 units, include:
- roof plan – show roof framing, panel layout and dimensions, and rack connection locations
- roof bracket detail – section detail showing how panels connect to the roof system
- solar panel specifications – manufacturer’s data for the proposed product
- engineered letter confirming existing structure – stamped by an engineer or qualified BCIN designer, including roof loading calculations and any structural upgrades
- mechanical drawings – if connecting to HVAC or water systems
For all other building types, include:
- roof plan – show roof framing, panel layout and dimensions, and rack connection locations
- roof bracket detail – section detail showing how panels connect to the roof system
- solar panel specifications – manufacturer’s data for the proposed product
- engineered letter confirming existing structure – stamped by an engineer, including roof loading calculations and any structural upgrades
- mechanical drawings – if connecting to HVAC or water systems
- electrical drawings – showing system connections
5. Prepare your forms
Complete the forms that apply to your project.
Contact us if you’re not sure which forms you need.
Forms you need if you’re applying online
Forms you need if you’re applying in person
Bring these completed forms to the service counter on the 2nd floor of City Hall:
- Permit Application Form (PDF)
- Schedule 1 Designer Form (PDF) – if a designer is involved
- Commitment to general review form (PDF) – unless exempt
6. Check permit fees
Fees depend on your scope of work – HST does not apply:
- System on house or small buildings connected only to electricity: $118.00
- System on small buildings connected to plumbing or heating: $236.00
- System on large buildings connected to electricity, plumbing, or heating: $393.00
Pay when you apply:
- online – credit card only
- in person – cash, debit or cheque payable to City of Waterloo
We’ll start reviewing your application after we receive payment.
7. Apply online
Submit your application through the building permit portal.
Upload your drawings and forms when you apply.
8. Wait for review
The typical time to review an addition is 10 business days.
Check the building permit timelines and fees page for current timelines.
We may contact you for more information before approval.
9. Get and display your permit
Once approved, your permit package will be available on the portal.
We’ll email you instructions on how to access it.
Print the full package and keep it visible at the work site.
10. Book inspections
Under the Ontario Building Code Act, you must book inspections before the work is covered.
Find the required inspections listed on your building permit under "Mandatory Inspections".
Book inspections through the building portal (find it on the left menu):
- the earliest you can book an inspection is the next business day
- you'll need your permit number