There are multiple types of applications when it comes to the installation of solar systems.
Learn about the different criteria that is reviewed before issuing a Building Permit and an Electrical Permit for the installation of a solar system.
Micro-generation is the term used to describe alternate or renewable energy resources. These include solar, wind and hydro. Currently, The City of Red Deer only accepts applications for solar installations, and an application process must be followed.
Please go to our Micro-gen/ Renewable or Alternate Energy Sources web page for information on this application process.
A Building Permit is required to review the safety components of installing solar panels, ensuring they are installed correctly and the structure they are attached to can handle the loading (weight) of them.
Note: During building season (April 1 – October 31), processing times may take longer, due to the number of applications that are submitted during this time.
In most cases, it will take 7–10 business days to review and issue a Building Permit for a solar panel project. Solar installations require both a Building Permit and an Electrical Permit. The Building and Electrical permit reviews are conducted independently; however, neither permit can be issued until the Electrical Permit review has been completed.
The Electrical Permit is processed through The City of Red Deer Electric Light and Power department (Micro-gen / Renewable or Alternate Energy Sources) and can take up to 3 weeks to review and issue.
Please refer to 'Schedule A' of the Safety Codes Permit Bylaw 3551/2015 (pdf) to find the fees associated with a Building Permit for residential dwellings.
An Electrical Permit is required for all solar projects because solar panels generate electricity and connect to your home’s electrical system. The permit ensures that all electrical components—such as inverters, wiring, and connections—are installed safely and meet local electrical codes. This helps prevent electrical hazards like shocks, fires, or damage to your home’s electrical system, and ensures that the system operates efficiently and reliably.
Note: During building season (April 1 – October 31), processing times may take longer, due to the number of applications that are submitted during this time.
In most cases, it can take up to 3 weeks to review and issue an Electrical Permit for a solar panel project. Solar installations require both an Electrical Permit and a Building Permit. The Building and Electrical permit reviews are conducted independently; however, neither permit can be issued until the Electrical Permit review has been completed.
The Electrical Permit is processed through The City of Red Deer Electric Light and Power department (Micro-gen / Renewable or Alternate Energy Sources). The Building Permit review typically takes 7–10 business days once submitted.
Please refer to 'Schedule A' of the Safety Codes Permit Bylaw 3551/2015 (pdf) to find the fees associated with a Building Permit for residential dwellings.
The Electrical Permit application is completed manually by downloading the application form (PDF), Electrical Permit Application (pdf) filling it out, and emailing it to inspections@reddeer.ca
The Building Permit application can be completed online through the City’s eApply page https://mycity.reddeer.ca/tempest/eapplypermits.
Both permits are required to ensure the structural and electrical safety of your solar installation.
Before applying for either permit, review Step 1 below to ensure you complete and submit all required documents. Missing documents may delay processing times.
Check out what is included with each step of the process, from preparing your documents to beginning construction.
A homeowner can apply for the Building Permit, however only a licensed contractor with a valid City of Red Deer Business Licence can apply for the Electrical permit. If you are not the owner of the property, you will need to include a Letter of Authorization (pdf) with the application package.
If you are a contractor and you do not have a valid City of Red Deer Business Licence, please visit our Licensing page before submitting your permit application.
Before submitting your permit applications, you need to prepare all the plan documents and forms that are required for your submission. Review the respective requirements list and forms for each permit.
Review the Solar Permit Requirement List before proceeding:
Solar Permit Requirement List (pdf)
These guides will help you prepare and save your required plan documents to submit during your application process.
Any Electrical Permit application submitted through the City’s eApply page will be returned to the applicant, which may cause delays in processing time.
It may take up to three weeks for an application to be processed. Once a permit has been reviewed and approved by a Safety Codes Officer it will only be released when all applicable sub-trade permits are in place.
The solar project application process begins with applying to The City of Red Deer Electric Light and Power department: Micro-gen/ Renewable or Alternate Energy Sources.
Building Permits can be submitted online using MyPermits. Please ensure you have all the documents and drawings you need for your project by following the requirement list and plan submission standards documents from Step 1: Prepare your documents. You will be required to upload these files to ProjectDox to complete your application. If the application is incomplete, that will add delays in processing and issuing your permit.
For assistance, refer to our ProjectDox Applicant Guide (pdf).
Once we receive your complete permit applications, a Building Safety Codes Officer will conduct a review of the permits application, ensuring the proposed solar project complies with the Safety Codes Act.
You will receive email notifications throughout the application process, including:
Did you know that some email servers will block City of Red Deer emails? These emails will often end up in your junk/spam mail folder! Please add @reddeer.ca as an allowable sender to make sure you are receiving our emails.
You will need an electrical permit to accompany your solar panel project.
A master electrician with a City of Red Deer Business Licence and Solar Certification can apply for a Solar Permit. Visit the Business Licence page to view what is required to apply for a licence. Contact Licensing at 403-342-8182 or licensing@reddeer.ca for more information.
Click on the tile below to download and fill in the paper application for an Electrical permit and submit it by email to inspections@reddeer.ca or in person at the Inspections and Licensing Customer Service counter on the first floor of City Hall between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding stat holidays.
The required inspections will be determined when the Safety Codes Officer reviews your application, and will be listed on the Safety Codes Building Permit when it is approved and issued.
If you've obtained any sub-trade permits, you may need other inspections as well during the course of the respective permit.
If you obtain multiple sub-trades permits, these inspections will apply to each permit type.
Once your Safety Codes Building Permit has been approved and issued, you will receive an email with instructions of how to schedule an inspection.
You will receive an email notification informing you of the outcome of each inspection.
Email: inspections@reddeer.ca
Phone: 403-342-8190