Solar energy is rapidly changing the way Strathcona County residents think about power. The way most residents harness this renewable resource is through solar panels, which can be installed in two ways: roof-mounted or ground-mounted systems.

• Roof-mounted solar panels require a Building Permit.
• Ground-mounted solar panels require a Development Permit.

In both cases, an Electrical Permit is also required. This must be obtained by a Master Electrician and can be applied for via ePermits.

Ground-mounted solar panels

Ground-mounted (or ground-level) solar panels are classified as accessory structures under Strathcona County’s Land Use Bylaw. As such, they must comply with the applicable setbacks from property lines and height requirements for accessory buildings or structures within the district where they are installed.

Development and Electrical permits are required for all ground-mounted panels. 

See  Building an Accessory Structure (291.3 KB) for more information on building / accessory structure regulations and what is needed to submit an application.

Roof-mounted solar panels

As per Strathcona County’s Land Use Bylaw, roof-mounted solar panels are exempt from requiring a development permit, however they do require the following:

1. An electrical permit, applied for by a Master Electrician. 
2. A building permit along with:
   • A letter from either the truss manufacturer or professional engineer (registered with APEGA) stating the roof trusses are designed to carry the additional loads (dead loads, live loads, wind load/uplift)

All solar permit applications received must be reviewed by a Building and Electrical Safety Codes Officer prior to issuance of a permit. 

Please see the  Solar Panel Application Checklist (150.3 KB) for more information.

Rebates

Rebates may be available for your project, visit Solar Alberta for more information. 

Further information