Residential Rooftop Solar PV Permit in Great Falls, Montana
VerifiedRequired for installation of residential rooftop solar photovoltaic systems in Great Falls. The City's own permit records confirm this is issued as a Building permit (category "Residential Rooftop Solar PV Installation"), billed on the standard valuation-based Building Permit fee table; systems installed by a licensed electrical contractor may alternatively be processed as an electrical permit with "solar" selected on the application.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
When you need this permit
- Licensed electrical contractor installations: apply for an electrical permit and select "solar" as the work type; fee based on the total value of the electrical work
- Homeowner self-installation: a homeowner may obtain a Homeowner's Electrical Permit selecting "solar" for interior/exterior wiring, but the grid-tied interconnection must still be completed by a licensed electrical contractor
- City of Great Falls building permit records show residential rooftop solar PV installations processed as a Building permit ("B" permit prefix) type, valuation-based
- Commercial solar work always requires a licensed electrical contractor to pull the permit
Required documents
- Required
Residential Building Permit Application or Homeowner's Electrical Permit Application
Depending on installer type — contractor-installed systems use the standard building/electrical permit application; homeowner-installed systems (non-grid-tied portions) may use the Homeowner's Electrical Permit
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building/Electrical Permit Fee — valuation-based | Determined by declared project valuation against the Resolution 10374 Exhibit A tables (Building Permit Fees or Electric Permit Fees as applicable) | Confirmed from the City's own 2026 and 2025 Combined Permit Fee Listings showing numerous "RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR PV INSTALLATION" entries billed as Building permits at figures consistent with valuation-based tiers (e.g., $244.63, $170.65, $370.65 across different project valuations) |
Review timeline
~1–10 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Great Falls building department
Inspection process
- 1
Rough Electrical
Conduit runs, wire sizing, disconnect placement before energizing
- 2
Final
Panel mounting, roof penetration sealing, and electrical interconnection verified
Tips
- Grid-tied solar interconnection wiring must be completed by a licensed electrical contractor in Montana even if a homeowner self-installs the panels and racking under a Homeowner's Electrical Permit.
- Great Falls' own permit issuance records confirm rooftop solar PV is an actively and regularly issued permit category — this is not a rarely-used or theoretical permit type in the city.
- For questions on solar permitting specifics, contact the Montana Building and Commercial Measurements Bureau at (406) 841-2056 or buildingcodes@mt.gov, or the City of Great Falls Building Division at (406) 455-8430.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for rooftop solar in Great Falls?
- Yes. Rooftop solar PV is a regularly issued permit type in Great Falls, processed either as a Building permit or an Electrical permit depending on the installer. A licensed electrical contractor must complete any grid-tied interconnection regardless of who installs the panels.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-02.
- City of Great Falls Building Division (Planning & Community Development Department) — official building department
- 2026 Combined Permit Fee Listings (confirms active Residential Rooftop Solar PV Installation permit category)
- Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau — Alternative Energy Information
- Resolution No. 10374 — Building and Electric Permit Fees, Exhibit A
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 Great Falls building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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