Most solar permit rejections come from a short list of repeat problems: wrong fire setbacks, conductor or breaker sizing errors, busbar (120% rule) violations, missing structural calculations, incorrect labels, and plans drawn to the wrong code edition. A pre-submission check catches most of them.
The 15 most common solar permit redlines
| # | Redline | Category | How to fix it |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fire setbacks or roof access pathways missing | Fire | Show pathways and ridge setbacks per the fire code your AHJ has adopted |
| 2 | Busbar rating exceeded (120% rule) | Electrical | Recalculate per NEC 705.12; consider supply-side tap, derated main, or panel upgrade |
| 3 | Conductor sizing or ampacity errors | Electrical | Apply temperature and conduit fill correction factors |
| 4 | Overcurrent protection sized incorrectly | Electrical | Size to 125% of continuous current and verify against equipment ratings |
| 5 | Voltage drop not shown | Electrical | Include voltage drop calculations where the AHJ asks for them |
| 6 | Rapid shutdown method not identified | Electrical | State the NEC 690.12 compliance method and equipment |
| 7 | Grounding and bonding details missing | Electrical | Show equipment grounding, bonding path, and electrode connection |
| 8 | No structural calculations or letter | Structural | Provide roof load evaluation, stamped where required |
| 9 | Attachment spacing not specified | Structural | Show spacing for wind and snow zones and the rafter it fastens to |
| 10 | Wrong wind or snow design values | Structural | Use the values the AHJ specifies for the site |
| 11 | Placards and labels missing or wrong | Labeling | Include the full label set with locations on the plan |
| 12 | Equipment spec sheets missing | Documents | Attach current spec sheets for modules, inverters, racking, and ESS |
| 13 | Site plan missing property lines or setbacks | Documents | Show property lines, structures, and equipment locations |
| 14 | Wrong NEC or building code edition | Code | Confirm the adopted edition and local amendments before design |
| 15 | Missing PE stamp | Code | Check whether the AHJ requires SE or EE stamps before submitting |
Electrical redlines
Electrical corrections are the largest group. The busbar calculation, conductor sizing, and overcurrent protection all depend on each other, so one wrong number often produces several comments. Read our guides on the NEC 120% rule, conductor sizing, and grounding and bonding.
Structural redlines
Reviewers want proof that the roof can carry the added load and that the attachments are spaced for the site’s wind and snow conditions. Many AHJs require the calculation to be stamped. See structural engineering letters.
Fire and access redlines
Roof access pathways and ridge setbacks come from the fire code adopted locally, and some jurisdictions add their own rules. Draw them clearly and dimension them. More in how fire regulations affect permit design.
Labeling and document redlines
Missing placards and spec sheets are easy to prevent and still cause a large share of rejections. Keep a standard label set and an equipment library that is updated when manufacturers release new models.
AHJ-specific rules
Some jurisdictions have requirements that go beyond the model codes. Vishtik tracks requirements for 7,000+ AHJs so designs match local rules the first time. See AHJs with strict solar rules.
Pre-submission checklist
- Code editions and local amendments confirmed
- Fire pathways and setbacks drawn and dimensioned
- Busbar, conductor, and OCPD calculations checked together
- Rapid shutdown method stated
- Structural evaluation included and stamped if required
- Full label set shown
- All spec sheets attached
- Site plan complete
What to do after a rejection
- Read every comment Group comments by category so one fix does not break another.
- Fix the plan set Update the drawings and calculations, and cloud or highlight the changes if the AHJ asks.
- Write a response letter. Answer each comment in order and point to the sheet where it was fixed.
- Resubmit. Upload through the same portal and track the new review cycle.
Vishtik’s approval rate is 98.7%. See our permit design service.
