Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit in Albuquerque, New Mexico
VerifiedRequired for roof-mounted, ground-mounted, or awning-mounted photovoltaic system installations in Albuquerque. Both a building permit and an electrical permit are required. Roof-mounted residential systems under 50 kW are eligible for same-day Express Permitting.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
When you need this permit
- Building permit and electrical permit both required for all PV installations (roof-mounted, ground-mounted, and awning-mounted)
- Roof-mounted solar permits under 50 kW are eligible for the Express Permitting System (same-day issuance)
- Historic Preservation District approval required as a pre-requisite if the property is within a historic overlay district
- Site plan to scale showing PV array configuration, all supporting equipment, sub-panels, and main electrical service location
- Electrical one-line diagram required; three-line diagram required if the system exceeds 10 kW
- Systems exceeding 200 amps must have plans prepared and stamped by a New Mexico-licensed electrical engineer
- Ground-mounted and awning systems require an engineering letter/calculations and foundation design certified and stamped by a New Mexico-licensed engineer
- Documentation of a New Mexico structural engineer's review of the existing roof structure required for residential roof-mounted systems when there is more than one existing roof covering or added dead/point loads exceed specified thresholds
Required documents
- Required
Building Permit Application (Solar PV)
Submitted online through ABQ-PLAN; work description must include system size, square footage of work, and roof type
- Required
Site Plan (to scale)
Official property address, PV array configuration, elevation profile, all supporting equipment, dimensions and clearances
- Required
Electrical One-Line (or Three-Line) Diagram
One-line diagram required for all systems; three-line diagram required if system exceeds 10 kW
- Required
Equipment Schedule
Make, model, and listing classification for all system components (modules, inverters, micro-inverters)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solar collector installation (mechanical/HVAC-related fee, including related piping/ductwork/regulating devices) | Up to 1,000 sq ft: $8.00; 1,001–2,000 sq ft: $8.00; more than 2,000 sq ft: $8.00 plus $1.50 per 1,000 sq ft or fraction over 2,000 sq ft | 2024 City of Albuquerque Uniform Administrative Code, Table 112-C, item 20 |
| Building Permit Fee (Table 112-A, valuation-based) | Same Table 112-A formula as other building permits, based on project valuation with applicable regional modifier | UAC Section 112.2 / Table 112-A; solar PV installations require a building permit priced on this schedule in addition to the electrical permit and any mechanical solar-collector fee |
| Electrical Permit Fee | Per UAC Table 112-B (administrative charge $47.00 plus applicable per-item charges for panels, disconnects, and equipment installed) | UAC Table 112-B |
Review timeline
0–13 business days
Albuquerque’s published plan-review target
Inspection process
- 1
Rough Electrical
Conduit runs, wire sizing, disconnect placement before energizing
- 2
Re-Roof and Solar Inspection (Building)
Made after installation is complete; a certified Building Inspector may review drone photos of the permitted work, with on-site follow-up if necessary
- 3
Electrical Final
When all electrical equipment is installed and wiring is completed
Tips
- Roof-mounted solar permits under 50 kW are eligible for the Express Permitting System — same-day issuance.
- Both a building permit and an electrical permit are required for every PV installation, roof- or ground-mounted.
- Commercial projects must additionally follow the Albuquerque Fire Department Solar Photovoltaic System Installation Guidelines for access pathway clearances.
- Confirm whether the property sits in a Historic Preservation District before applying — approval from that office is a pre-requisite if so.
Frequently asked questions
- How fast can I get a solar permit in Albuquerque?
- Roof-mounted residential solar PV permits under 50 kW are eligible for the City's Express Permitting System, allowing same-day issuance. Larger or ground-mounted systems go through standard plan review; both a building permit and an electrical permit are required in all cases.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-02.
- City of Albuquerque Planning Department — Building Safety Division — official building department
- Express Permitting System | City of Albuquerque
- Photovoltaic Systems (Roof Mounted) Building Permit Submittal Checklist | City of Albuquerque
- Photovoltaic Systems (Ground Mounted/Awning) Building Permit Submittal Checklist | City of Albuquerque
- 2024 City of Albuquerque Uniform Administrative Code (Exhibit A, adopted) — Table 112-C
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 Albuquerque building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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