How do I get a solar permit in Tempe?

For eligible residential PV, use SolarAPP+ (gosolarapp.org) to obtain code-compliance approval, then apply through the Tempe Citizen Access Portal and include your SolarAPP+ approval number. The flat fee is $538 (Table 2-A, includes plan review). Schedule a Building Final (199) inspection through the Citizen Access Portal after permit issuance. Source: Tempe Residential Plan Review page (tempe.gov/government/community-development/building-safety/plan-review/residential) and Table 2-A (Municode).

Residential Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit — SolarAPP+ eligible in Tempe, Arizona

Tempe's Building Safety Division accepts SolarAPP+ approved designs for single-family residential photovoltaic (PV) permitting. SolarAPP+ is a third-party software program that verifies code compliance for eligible residential PV systems, enabling same-day permit approvals for qualifying projects. Tempe has been awarded SolSmart Silver designation recognizing its solar-friendly permitting process. All permit applications are made through the Tempe Citizen Access Portal. The flat fee is $538 per Table 2-A (effective July 1, 2025), which includes the plan review fee.

Verified 2026-06-29 · Source

When you need this permit

Applicant must be an Arizona licensed contractor
Located within City of Tempe limits
Residential (single-family or duplex residence) rooftop installations only
Residential Energy Storage systems are in scope (newer SolarAPP+ eligibility)
Structure supporting the PV system must be legal, permitted, and code-compliant
No ballasted or ground-mounted systems
Not located within a Historic Preservation district or FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area
Technical requirements for solar without existing Energy Storage System (ESS): 400-amp maximum electrical service, single phase only; maximum 2 DC strings in parallel; if microinverter, one module per microinverter; only one module type; up to two inverter types (string) or one (microinverter)
Non-SolarAPP+ submittals: submit plans through the Citizen Access Portal following Electronic Plan (E-Plan) Review Submittal Guidelines
SolarAPP+ process: (1) Determine eligibility; (2) Submit design to SolarAPP+ (gosolarapp.org); (3) Apply for Building Permit through Citizen Access Portal — include SolarAPP+ approval number; (4) Schedule Building Final inspection through Citizen Access Portal

Required documents

Req
SolarAPP+ approval (approval number and approved documents)
Obtain SolarAPP+ code-compliance approval at gosolarapp.org; include the approval number in the Citizen Access Portal application. A processing fee is assessed by SolarAPP+.

Fee schedule

Fee type	Amount	Notes
Single Family Photovoltaic System — flat fee (Table 2-A, effective July 1, 2025)	$538 (includes plan review)	Table 2-A — Building Permit Flat Fees: 'SINGLE FAMILY PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM — $538 *Includes Plan Review fee.' Effective July 1, 2025. Source: Table 2-A (library.municode.com/az/tempe/codes/city_code?nodeId=APXASCFECH_TA2UIPEFLFE).

Review timeline

~1–5 business days

Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Tempe building department

Inspection process

1
Building Final (inspection type 199)
After permit issuance, schedule a Building Final (199) inspection through the Citizen Access Portal using the main BP tracking number. Requests received before midnight are inspected the following business day, 6:30 AM–3:30 PM. For an estimated arrival time, call 480-350-8341 between 6:00–6:30 AM on the morning of your inspection.

Tips

Using SolarAPP+ (gosolarapp.org) for eligible residential PV projects enables same-day permit approvals — Tempe strongly encourages its use.
Include the word 'SolarAPP+' as the first word in the project description when applying in the Citizen Access Portal (e.g., 'SolarAPP+ SMITH RESIDENCE').
The flat $538 Table 2-A fee (includes plan review) covers the SolarAPP+ permit; a separate SolarAPP+ processing fee is charged by the SolarAPP+ platform itself.
Tempe has SolSmart Silver designation; check tempe.gov/BuildingSafety for the solar permit dashboard.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a solar permit in Tempe?: For eligible residential PV, use SolarAPP+ (gosolarapp.org) to obtain code-compliance approval, then apply through the Tempe Citizen Access Portal and include your SolarAPP+ approval number. The flat fee is $538 (Table 2-A, includes plan review). Schedule a Building Final (199) inspection through the Citizen Access Portal after permit issuance. Source: Tempe Residential Plan Review page (tempe.gov/government/community-development/building-safety/plan-review/residential) and Table 2-A (Municode).

Sources & verification

Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-29.

Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Tempe building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.

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