Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque requires a solar photovoltaic (pv) permit for: 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. If your project isn't listed, confirm with City of Albuquerque Planning Department — Building Safety Division at (505) 924-3320 before starting work.

In Albuquerque, the published Solar collector installation (mechanical/HVAC-related fee, including related piping/ductwork/regulating devices) is: Up to 1,000 sq ft: $8.00; 1,001–2,000 sq ft: $12.00; more than 2,000 sq ft: $12.00 plus $1.50 per 1,000 sq ft or fraction over 2,000 sq ft. Additional published fees: 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; Electrical Permit Fee — Per UAC Table 112-B (administrative charge $47.00 plus applicable per-item charges for panels, disconnects, and equipment installed). These are the jurisdiction's own published figures — see the fee schedule table and source citations on this page.

Albuquerque's published plan-review target for a solar photovoltaic (pv) permit is 0–13 business days.

You'll need: Building Permit Application (Solar PV); Site Plan (to scale); Electrical One-Line (or Three-Line) Diagram; Equipment Schedule. See the required-documents checklist on this page for details on each.

Albuquerque requires 3 inspection(s) for a solar photovoltaic (pv) permit, in order: Rough Electrical, Re-Roof and Solar Inspection (Building), Electrical Final. Schedule each through City of Albuquerque Planning Department — Building Safety Division ((505) 924-3320).

Apply through City of Albuquerque Planning Department — Building Safety Division at Plaza Del Sol Building, 600 2nd St. NW, Suite 190, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Phone: (505) 924-3320. Office hours: Building Permits & Plan Review: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday–Friday. Building/Electrical/Plumbing/Mechanical Inspections & Trade Permits: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday–Friday. The Building Safety permit counter is closed every Friday from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM.. Official information: https://www.cabq.gov/planning/building-safety-division.

Albuquerque, New Mexico has adopted: 2021 New Mexico Commercial Building Code — adopted statewide by the NM Construction Industries Commission (NMAC Title 14), effective in Albuquerque December 14, 2023; 2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code — adopted statewide by the NM Construction Industries Commission (NMAC Title 14), effective in Albuquerque December 14, 2023; 2021 New Mexico Existing Building Code — effective in Albuquerque December 14, 2023; 2020 New Mexico Electrical Code — effective in Albuquerque September 28, 2023; 2021 New Mexico Mechanical Code, including Appendixes A, B, C, and D; 2021 New Mexico Plumbing Code, including Appendixes A, B, C, D, E, F, I, K, and L; 2012 New Mexico Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code; 2012 New Mexico Solar Energy Code; 2021 New Mexico Residential Energy Conservation Code (includes EV-charging-readiness requirements adopted by the Construction Industries Commission, required on new construction starting July 30, 2024); 2021 New Mexico Commercial Energy Conservation Code (includes EV-charging-infrastructure parking requirements, required on new construction starting July 30, 2024); 2021 New Mexico Earthen Building Materials Code; 2021 New Mexico Historic Earthen Buildings Code; New Mexico Boiler Code; 2023 Uniform Administrative Code of the City of Albuquerque (ROA 1994, Chapter 14, Article 1) — the City's local administrative amendment governing permitting, fees, and inspections; effective February 2, 2024; a 2024 edition (Exhibit A) is the current administrative chapter on file with Building Safety; City of Albuquerque Ordinance O-2022-024 (Council Bill O-22-23) — adopted the Uniform Administrative Code and technical codes, repealing the prior Chapter 14, Article 1, ROA 1994. Local amendments apply — see the Albuquerque overview page for the full list.

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.