Use this guide
Choose the questions relevant to your situation. Expand each answer, save the checklist and request written clarification where evidence is missing.
Questions homeowners ask
Does EZ mean no permit is needed?
Qualifying EZ projects still need an Electrical Permit. L&I says other solar projects also require a Building Permit and plans. Have the applicant document the route.
Source: Philadelphia L&I: solar-panel permit process. Reviewed 2026-10-06.
Is a small array enough to establish EZ eligibility?
No. The July 2026 standard limits the route to rooftop systems on one- or two-family dwellings, no more than 10 kW AC, and all its other conditions. Capacity alone does not establish eligibility; ask the contractor to evaluate the complete current form.
Source: Philadelphia: current solar EZ standard, revised July 2026. Reviewed 2026-10-06.
Which roof or battery details need an early route check?
The current standard excludes storage systems and slopes greater than 2:12. It also addresses engineered trusses, including a professional-engineer-letter exception. Share existing roof and equipment records with the qualified applicant; this guide cannot establish structural suitability or the permit route remotely.
Source: Philadelphia: current solar EZ standard, revised July 2026. Reviewed 2026-10-06.
What PECO record belongs in the permit packet?
L&I requests an interconnection dashboard screenshot showing project location, capacity, installation type and current status. Keep submission evidence separate from later utility operating authorization.
Source: Philadelphia L&I: solar-panel permit process. Reviewed 2026-10-06.
Who performs the required electrical inspections?
The owner or agent must hire a licensed electrical inspection agency, according to L&I. A separate site assessment does not automatically fulfill this regulated role.
Source: Philadelphia L&I: solar-panel permit process. Reviewed 2026-10-06.
What happens after the required inspections?
L&I describes inspection certification and its Certificate of Approval after successful required inspections. Retain these records separately from any outstanding utility authorization.
Source: Philadelphia L&I: solar-panel permit process. Reviewed 2026-10-06.
How can I avoid using an outdated EZ form?
Use the city’s official document library, which lists the solar standard released August 6, 2026. Record the version supplied with your application and have the applicant resolve any inconsistent instructions with L&I. An older downloaded form is not evidence of current acceptance.
Source: Philadelphia: official EZ standards document library. Reviewed 2026-10-06.
How should I organize historic-property or other unresolved questions?
Flag the property status and any proposed change before committing to a route. Ask the applicant and L&I to identify needed review and obtain a written answer. Keep unresolved status visible instead of treating an unanswered question as approval. This editorial checklist does not determine historic, zoning or engineering eligibility.
Your decision checklist
- Confirm the city jurisdiction and legal project address.
- Have the qualified applicant evaluate the full current EZ standard.
- Flag roof framing, slope, storage and historic-status questions early.
- Keep the PECO application evidence with the permit packet.
- Identify the required licensed electrical inspection agency.
- Track city closeout and utility operating authorization separately.
- Retain current forms, responses and outstanding questions privately.
Save or print this guide from your browser. Keep completed records privately.
Keep the route and approval evidence together
| Decision | Record to request |
|---|---|
| Project identity | Address, responsible applicant and existing property records |
| Route basis | Current standard, equipment scope and unanswered conditions |
| Roof and storage | Existing framing records, proposed batteries and qualified review |
| Utility application | Submitted-project dashboard evidence and later milestones |
| Inspection role | Named licensed agency and required certification record |
| Closeout | City certificate, utility response and outstanding corrections |
Example: a quote describes an EZ rooftop installation, while an equipment addendum includes a battery. Ask the applicant to reconcile the complete scope with the current standard before carrying the original route assumption into the schedule. Do not remove an item from the application merely to make the paperwork appear eligible.
Example: a homeowner has a screenshot confirming a utility application and expects the system to be ready for use. Ask which city and utility milestones remain. Keep actual decisions in the folder rather than relabeling a submission screenshot as final authorization.
Reviewed October 6, 2026. The linked standard is revised July 2026 and appears in the official library as released August 6, 2026. Follow current L&I instructions and obtain project-specific answers from the qualified applicant. We do not quote fees, promise processing times or determine code compliance. The worksheet and hypothetical examples are editorial aids. Store addresses, signatures and utility account records privately.
Continue with permit and utility milestones, Pennsylvania supplier and credit records and roof and battery planning questions. Explore Solar Survey AI’s evidence methodology and confirm an available survey scope for your project. Our optional services do not replace the city’s required licensed electrical inspection agency or establish its authorization. Homeowner monitoring connections and planned remote diagnosis remain coming soon.
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About these guides
Published by Solar Survey AI, a commercial survey-services company. Our original decision checklists are recommendations; linked authorities support the referenced facts. We may benefit if you purchase our services. This is not independent certification of our company, a project-specific engineering decision or personal tax/legal advice. Local rules, contracts and site evidence control individual decisions. Reviewed 2026-10-06.
For available survey or inspection services, confirm your project scope and availability with our team. Our planned free homeowner remote diagnosis remains coming soon.
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