How much does a solar permit cost in Meridian?

Solar permit fees in Meridian are based on the project bid value. For a typical residential solar installation valued at $15,000: $180 + 0.5% of $5,000 over $10,000 = $180 + $25 = $205. Use the formula: $0–$2,000: $40 + 2.5% of value; $2,001–$10,000: $100 + 1% of value; over $10,001: $180 + 0.5% of portion over $10,000. Source: meridiancity.org/public-works/environmental/solar-energy/.

Do I need electrical plan review for solar in Meridian?

Yes. Electrical plan review is required for all photovoltaic installations in Meridian. Apply as 'Residential Electrical Solar Array' through the Citizen Access Portal at citizenportal.meridiancity.org.

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit in Meridian, Idaho

Required for installation of rooftop or ground-mounted solar photovoltaic systems on residential properties in Meridian. A building permit is required for all PV installations; electrical plan review is required for all PV installations. Apply as 'Residential Electrical Solar Array' through the Citizen Access Portal. Contact Idaho Power before starting regarding net billing.

Verified 2026-06-29 · Source

When you need this permit

Building permit required for all solar PV installations (structural/mounting)
Electrical plan review required for all photovoltaic installations
Apply as 'Residential Electrical Solar Array' permit type through the Citizen Access Portal
Comply with Meridian Unified Development Code (UDC) Title 11 and Title 10 Building Regulations
Roof-mounted panels must be mounted on roof of existing or concurrently proposed building
Ground-mounted panels must comply with setbacks and height limitations of the zoning district
Contact Idaho Power before starting regarding net billing application (required for interconnection)

Required documents

Req
Residential Solar Submittal Checklist and Standards
Meridian's required checklist for solar PV submittals; includes PV array configuration, grounding, bonding, wire management, conductors, rapid shutdown, charge controllers, disconnects, inverters, and batteries
Req
Electrical Single-Line Diagram
System wiring from panels to inverter to main panel — uploaded through Project Dox
Req
Structural Roof Framing / Load Calculations
Confirming roof structure supports panel weight; must account for design roof snow load of 25 PSF minimum

Fee schedule

Fee type	Amount	Notes
Solar PV Permit — project value $0 to $2,000	$40 base fee plus 2.5% of project value	City of Meridian — Solar Energy page (meridiancity.org/public-works/environmental/solar-energy/); applicant provides bid amount as project value
Solar PV Permit — project value $2,001 to $10,000	$100 base fee plus 1% of project value	City of Meridian — Solar Energy page (meridiancity.org/public-works/environmental/solar-energy/)
Solar PV Permit — project value over $10,001	$180 base fee plus 0.5% of the portion over $10,000	City of Meridian — Solar Energy page (meridiancity.org/public-works/environmental/solar-energy/)

Review timeline

~1–10 business days

Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Meridian building department

Inspection process

1
Rough Electrical
Conduit runs, wire sizing, disconnect placement before energizing — required per electrical plan review
2
Final — Building / Structural
Panel mounting, racking attachment, roof penetration sealing verified
3
Final — Electrical
Electrical connections, inverter, and interconnection point verified; Idaho Power will be involved in a system test after municipal electrical inspection passes

Tips

Electrical plan review is required for all photovoltaic installations in Meridian — do not skip.
Apply as 'Residential Electrical Solar Array' permit type through the Citizen Access Portal.
Meridian is a SolSmart designated community — the city actively works to streamline solar permitting.
Solar permit fees are based on the bid amount (project value) you provide — not square footage or system size.
Contact Idaho Power (800-632-6605 or generation@idahopower.com) about the net billing application before starting. Idaho Power will be involved in a system test after the city electrical inspection passes.
Roof snow load minimum is 25 PSF — structural calculations must account for both panel weight and snow load.
The Residential Solar Submittal Checklist is available from the Residential Checklists page.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a solar permit cost in Meridian?: Solar permit fees in Meridian are based on the project bid value. For a typical residential solar installation valued at $15,000: $180 + 0.5% of $5,000 over $10,000 = $180 + $25 = $205. Use the formula: $0–$2,000: $40 + 2.5% of value; $2,001–$10,000: $100 + 1% of value; over $10,001: $180 + 0.5% of portion over $10,000. Source: meridiancity.org/public-works/environmental/solar-energy/.
Do I need electrical plan review for solar in Meridian?: Yes. Electrical plan review is required for all photovoltaic installations in Meridian. Apply as 'Residential Electrical Solar Array' through the Citizen Access Portal at citizenportal.meridiancity.org.

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

Other permits in Meridian

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

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