How much does a solar permit cost in Boise?

Boise charges a flat $165 building permit fee for residential solar PV systems (covers plan review and inspections). A separate electrical permit costs $110 for the wiring portion. Total minimum permit cost is $275.

Do I need two permits for solar panels in Boise?

Yes. You need a building permit (406 with PV checklist, $165 flat fee) for the structural mounting and a separate electrical permit (424, $110) for the wiring. Both are required before work begins.

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit in Boise, Idaho

Required for installation of rooftop or ground-mounted solar photovoltaic systems on residential properties in Boise. Requires both a building permit for structural mounting (flat $165 fee) and a separate electrical permit for wiring ($110 for the electrical portion on existing residences).

Verified 2026-06-29 · Source

When you need this permit

Rooftop solar panel installation
Ground-mounted solar array installation
Battery storage system installation associated with solar
Building permit (406 — Residential Addition/Alteration with Photovoltaic Checklist) for structural mounting
Electrical permit (424 — Residential Electrical) for wiring and inverter connections

Required documents

Req
Permit Application (406)
Residential Additions/Alterations permit application for the structural/building portion
Req
Residential Photovoltaic Systems Checklist
Required checklist for solar installations under the 406 permit; available on the 406 permit page
Req
Electrical Permit Application (424)
Separate electrical permit for solar wiring, inverter, and interconnection
Req
Solar Site Plan
Roof plan or ground layout showing panel placement and access pathways
Req
Electrical Single-Line Diagram
System wiring from panels to inverter to main panel
Req
Structural Analysis / Roof Load Calculation
Confirming existing roof structure can support panel weight; roof snow load in Boise is 25 PSF minimum
Req
Equipment Specifications
Data sheets for panels, inverter, and racking system

Fee schedule

Fee type	Amount	Notes
Residential Solar PV — building permit (plan review/inspections)	$165 flat fee	Boise Building Code Fee Schedule item 11 (Oct 2023): 'Residential Solar Photovoltaic Systems plan review/inspections permit fee: $165'
Residential Solar PV — electrical permit (installation on existing residence)	$110 (up to two inspections)	Boise Electrical Code Fee Schedule, Table 3-a: 'Installation of solar panels: (up to two inspections) $110'

Review timeline

~1–10 business days

Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Boise building department

Inspection process

1
Rough Electrical
Conduit runs, wire sizing, disconnect placement before energizing
2
Final — Building / Structural
Panel mounting, racking attachment, roof penetration sealing verified
3
Final — Electrical
Electrical connections, inverter installation, and interconnection point verified

Tips

Two separate permits are required in Boise for residential solar: a building permit ($165 flat) for structural mounting and an electrical permit ($110) for wiring.
The Residential Photovoltaic Systems Checklist (available from the 406 permit page) must accompany the building permit application.
Boise's roof snow load minimum is 25 PSF — structural calculations must account for both panel weight and snow load.
Idaho Power (Boise's utility) interconnection approval is required before the system can be energized.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a solar permit cost in Boise?: Boise charges a flat $165 building permit fee for residential solar PV systems (covers plan review and inspections). A separate electrical permit costs $110 for the wiring portion. Total minimum permit cost is $275.
Do I need two permits for solar panels in Boise?: Yes. You need a building permit (406 with PV checklist, $165 flat fee) for the structural mounting and a separate electrical permit (424, $110) for the wiring. Both are required before work begins.

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 Boise building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.

Other permits in Boise

Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential Addition / Alteration Permit Residential Electrical Permit Residential Plumbing Permit Residential Mechanical / HVAC Permit Residential Roofing Permit Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit Water Heater Permit

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