The solar & battery permitting guide for local governments
With the growing popularity of solar panels and battery systems, local governments are working to ensure British Columbians enjoy safe, reliable and streamlined installations.
Well-designed building permit policies can make it easier for residents and businesses to install solar panels while prioritizing safety and reducing administrative barriers.
To help local governments align on what’s best for solar permitting, CEA developed the Solar & Battery Permitting Guide.
Note: Guide will be available early in Jan. 2026. Put in your request now with the form below.
Based on consultation with local governments, industry, utilities, and regulators, this guide provides:
- An overview of the relevant codes and standards.
- Findings from research with local government staff, solar installers, utilities and regulators in BC.
- Recommendations for local government staff to improve permitting processes.
Local government staff, get ahead of the growing demand for solar in your community—request the Solar & Battery Permitting Guide from CEA.
Why this guide, in this moment
While BC has historically had fewer solar installations than some other provinces, adoption has grown rapidly since 2024 in response to BC Hydro’s solar and battery rebates.
In this rapidly changing environment, installers face a patchwork of regulations across different municipal jurisdictions. What’s consistent? Electrical permits are required for all solar and energy storage installations in BC. But the decision around structural building permits is at the discretion of each local government. And this results in considerable variation from place to place.
Uncertainty and variability is especially present in regions where snow and seismic loading are concerns. And local government staff are generally uncertain over their responsibilities surrounding building permits for rooftop solar installation on Part 9 buildings.
BC Hydro and CEA have partnered to study this situation and develop recommendations for local governments. There is a clear opportunity for local governments across British Columbia to work together, align on best practices, and modernize permitting processes. The result will be safe, consistent, and widespread deployment of solar panels and energy storage systems.
Let’s accelerate the transition to a more resilient and efficient energy future!
Questions?
For any questions or feedback, we want to hear from you! Please email Rebecca Cuttler, Local Government Climate Network Coordinator.
