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Residential Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit in Hobbs, New Mexico

Required for rooftop or ground-mounted residential solar PV installations in Hobbs. The structural/mounting portion is billed under the City's own valuation-based Building Permit Fee schedule (Municode 15.28.010, same table used for other construction); the electrical interconnection portion is billed under the City's amperage-based Electrical Permit fee schedule (Municode 15.28.090). Hobbs enforces the statewide 2012 New Mexico Solar Energy Code (NMAC 14.9.6) as adopted by Municode 15.04.010, and the statewide NMAC 14.5.2.8(F) solar-installer licensing and submittal requirements apply the same way in Hobbs as anywhere else CID's NMAC code set governs — Hobbs is not a separately state-certified Local Enforcement Agency with its own amended solar provisions.

Verified 2026-07-20 · Source

When you need this permit

  • Governed by the 2012 New Mexico Solar Energy Code (IAPMO), NMAC 14.9.6, as adopted by City of Hobbs Municode 15.04.010
  • Installers must hold a valid CID license with the EE-98, EL-1, or ER-1 classification, as applicable (GB-98 authorized only in limited cases per 14.6.6.8 NMAC), per the statewide N.M. Admin. Code 14.5.2.8(F)(1) that governs solar PV submittals under the same NMAC framework Hobbs enforces locally
  • If structural roof modifications are required, a GB-02 (residential) or GB-98 license classification is required in addition to the electrical license, and a separate general-construction Building Permit applies alongside the Electrical Permit (N.M. Admin. Code 14.5.2.8(F)(6)-(7)) Contractor
  • Submittal documents must include a site plan indicating electrical equipment location, PV panel layout, a one-line diagram identifying all system components/listings and conductor sizes, documentation of the solar mounting system listing, utility interconnection details, and grounding system documentation (N.M. Admin. Code 14.5.2.8(F)(2))
  • A structural analysis sealed by a New Mexico-licensed professional engineer is required if the added dead load exceeds 5 lbs/sq ft, the point load exceeds 45 lbs, the added dead load exceeds 200 lbs on any single truss/rafter/joist, the mounting design is unique, or the roof has over-spanned structural members (N.M. Admin. Code 14.5.2.8(F)(5))
  • Two-set plan submittal and Homeowner's Permit rules for the structural portion follow the same process as the general Residential Building Permit (Municode 15.04.030, 15.28.010)

Required documents

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Fee schedule

Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (structural/mounting portion, same Municode 15.28.010 schedule as new construction)City of Hobbs Code of Ordinances Section 15.28.010 — no separately itemized flat solar-specific Building Department fee line was located; solar structural work is billed on the same valuation-based schedule as other construction
Ranges from $20.00 (valuation $1-$2,000) up to $800.00 plus $1.00 per additional $1,000 for valuation over $400,000
Residential Electrical — by service amperage (interconnection portion)City of Hobbs Code of Ordinances Section 15.28.090 — no separately itemized flat solar-specific electrical fee line was located; solar interconnection is billed on the same amperage-based schedule as other electrical service work
$52.00 (0-100 amp) / $83.00 (101-200 amp) / $115.00 (201-320 amp) / $260.00 (321-400 amp) / $415.00 (over 400 amp)
Re-inspection FeeMunicode 15.28.070; must be paid before the next inspection
$60.00

Review timeline

Plan reviewTypical estimate — confirm current times with the Hobbs building department
~0–1 business days

How long did your Residential Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit permit actually take in Hobbs?

Anonymous — one question, no email. Answers are combined and only shown once at least 5 people have reported.

Inspection process

  1. 1

    Racking/Structural Attachment

    Roof or ground-mount racking attachment and structural connections verified against the approved plan set and any required structural analysis

  2. 2

    Final Electrical/Interconnection

    Panel, inverter, and interconnection wiring verified per the 2020 New Mexico Electrical Code (NMAC 14.10.4) and the solar-specific one-line diagram

See the full Hobbs inspection guide — scheduling & re-inspection fees →

Tips

  • Budget for two separate Hobbs permits/fees: the valuation-based Building Permit (structural/mounting, Municode 15.28.010) and the amperage-based Electrical Permit (interconnection, Municode 15.28.090) — Hobbs does not publish one combined flat solar fee.
  • Verify your installer holds the correct CID license classification (EE-98, EL-1, or ER-1) at public.psiexams.com before signing a contract — this is a statewide New Mexico requirement (N.M. Admin. Code 14.5.2.8(F)) that applies in Hobbs the same way it applies anywhere else CID's code set governs.
  • If your roof needs structural reinforcement to support the panel array, you will need the general-construction Building Permit in addition to the Electrical Permit, per N.M. Admin. Code 14.5.2.8(F)(6)-(7).

Frequently asked questions

Hobbs requires a residential solar photovoltaic (pv) permit for: Governed by the 2012 New Mexico Solar Energy Code (IAPMO), NMAC 14.9.6, as adopted by City of Hobbs Municode 15.04.010; Installers must hold a valid CID license with the EE-98, EL-1, or ER-1 classification, as applicable (GB-98 authorized only in limited cases per 14.6.6.8 NMAC), per the statewide N.M. Admin. Code 14.5.2.8(F)(1) that governs solar PV submittals under the same NMAC framework Hobbs enforces locally; If structural roof modifications are required, a GB-02 (residential) or GB-98 license classification is required in addition to the electrical license, and a separate general-construction Building Permit applies alongside the Electrical Permit (N.M. Admin. Code 14.5.2.8(F)(6)-(7)); Submittal documents must include a site plan indicating electrical equipment location, PV panel layout, a one-line diagram identifying all system components/listings and conductor sizes, documentation of the solar mounting system listing, utility interconnection details, and grounding system documentation (N.M. Admin. Code 14.5.2.8(F)(2)); A structural analysis sealed by a New Mexico-licensed professional engineer is required if the added dead load exceeds 5 lbs/sq ft, the point load exceeds 45 lbs, the added dead load exceeds 200 lbs on any single truss/rafter/joist, the mounting design is unique, or the roof has over-spanned structural members (N.M. Admin. Code 14.5.2.8(F)(5)); Two-set plan submittal and Homeowner's Permit rules for the structural portion follow the same process as the general Residential Building Permit (Municode 15.04.030, 15.28.010). If your project isn't listed, confirm with City of Hobbs Building Inspection Department (Planning & Engineering / Community Development) at (575) 391-8158 before starting work.

No. Hobbs bills solar under two existing valuation/amperage-based schedules: the general Building Permit Fee (Municode 15.28.010) for the structural/mounting portion, and the amperage-based Electrical Permit fee (Municode 15.28.090) for the interconnection portion. No separate flat solar-specific fee line is codified.

Plan review for a residential solar photovoltaic (pv) permit in Hobbs typically runs 0–1 business days. This is an estimate, not a published figure — confirm current review times with City of Hobbs Building Inspection Department (Planning & Engineering / Community Development) at (575) 391-8158.

You'll need: City of Hobbs Building Permit Application; Electrical Permit Application (Fillable, City of Hobbs); Solar PV Submittal Package (site plan, one-line diagram, mounting listing, grounding documentation). See the required-documents checklist on this page for details on each.

Hobbs requires 2 inspection(s) for a residential solar photovoltaic (pv) permit, in order: Racking/Structural Attachment, Final Electrical/Interconnection. Schedule each through City of Hobbs Building Inspection Department (Planning & Engineering / Community Development) ((575) 391-8158).

Apply through City of Hobbs Building Inspection Department (Planning & Engineering / Community Development) at 200 E. Broadway, Hobbs, NM 88240. Phone: (575) 391-8158, email: hobbs.permits@hobbsnm.org. Office hours: City Hall: Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Friday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM (noon). Official information: https://www.hobbsnm.org/building_services.html.

Hobbs, New Mexico has adopted: New Mexico is a statewide-code state administered by the Construction Industries Division (CID) of the Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD) under the Construction Industries Licensing Act (CILA), NMSA 1978 Sections 60-13-3 and 60-13-45. City of Hobbs Municode Section 15.04.010 formally adopts by reference NMAC Articles 14.7.2 and 14.7.3 (New Mexico Commercial Building Code and Residential Building Code) as the City's Building Codes; NMAC 14.10.4 (New Mexico Electrical Code / National Electrical Code) as the City's Electrical Code; and NMAC 14.8.2, 14.9.2, 14.9.6, and 14.8.3 (New Mexico Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code, Solar Energy Code, and Swimming Pool/Spa/Hot Tub Code) as the City's Plumbing and Mechanical Codes. Hobbs is NOT a separately state-certified 'Local Enforcement Agency' with its own amended code body (unlike Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, or Rio Rancho) — it enforces the CID/NMAC-adopted statewide code set locally through its own Building Inspection Department (Municode 15.04.020), acting as the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for permit issuance and inspection within city limits and its 5-mile Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ), per NMAC 14.5.2.8.; 2021 New Mexico Commercial Building Code (NMCBC, NMAC 14.7.2) — based on the 2021 IBC; 2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code (NMRBC, NMAC 14.7.3) — based on the 2021 IRC; 2021 International Fire Code; 2021 International Existing Building Code; 2012 Solar Energy Code (IAPMO), NMAC 14.9.6; 2021 New Mexico Energy Conservation Code (Commercial and Residential); ICC/ANSI A117.1-2017 (Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities); 2021 New Mexico Plumbing and Mechanical Code (NMAC 14.8.2, 14.9.2); 2021 Uniform Mechanical Code (IAPMO); 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (IAPMO); 2012 Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code (NMAC 14.8.3); 2020 New Mexico Electrical Code / 2020 National Electrical Code (NMAC 14.10.4); 2012 National Electrical Safety Code; Liquefied Petroleum Gas Standards, NMAC 19.15.40; 2020 NFPA 58; 2012 NFPA 57 (incorporated into NFPA 52 (2005)); 2021 NFPA 54 (National Fuel Gas Code); 2011 NFPA 52 (Vehicle Gaseous Fuel Systems Code); 2021 NFPA 1192 (Standard on Recreational Vehicles). Local amendments apply — see the Hobbs overview page for the full list.

CID requires an EE-98, EL-1, or ER-1 electrical license classification for solar PV installation (GB-98 in limited cases); if structural roof modification is needed, a GB-02 (residential) or GB-98 license is also required. This is a statewide New Mexico requirement (N.M. Admin. Code 14.5.2.8(F)) that applies in Hobbs the same as any other NMAC-code-enforcing jurisdiction.

Sources & verification

Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-20.

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