Do You Need a Solar Panel Permit in Chicago?

Short answer
Yes

New small rooftop solar systems up to 13.44 kW inverter output can use Chicago's Express Permit Program, with drawings and calculations from an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer. Larger systems, roofs over 40 feet and some ballasted systems need a standard permit.

Source: Chicago DOB Express Permit Program: Small-Scale Solar PV System

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Chicago Solar Panel Permits at a Glance

Permits, last 12 months
1,615
Issued, last 30 days
125
Median application to issue
10 days
Median declared job value
$21,160
Issuing office
Chicago Department of Buildings
Rule last checked
October 30, 2026

Permits Issued per Month

162 Nov 140 Dec 69 Jan 95 Feb 100 Mar 70 Apr 106 May 111 Jun 187 Jul 212 Aug 204 Sep 125 Oct
Chicago solar panel permits issued per month, Nov 2025 to Oct 2026. Lighter bar = current month to date.

Counts are approximate: we match permit types and descriptions to solar panel work. Data from Chicago Building Permits, refreshed October 30, 2026.

What Chicago's Rules Say

  • Express Permit limit: 13.44 kW inverter output.
  • Drawings and calculations by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer are required.
  • Associated battery storage is generally limited to 20 kWh under the Express route.

Chicago Solar Panel Permit Fees

We have not verified Chicago's fee for this work from an official fee schedule yet, so we don't quote one. The Chicago Department of Buildings sets the fee when you apply. For context, the median fee actually paid on these permits in the city's records was $300.

Busiest Areas for Solar Panel Permits

Community areaPermits (12 mo)
Community area 70105
Community area 7384
Community area 7183
Community area 4979
Community area 5364
Community area 2558

How to Get a Solar Panel Permit in Chicago

  1. Confirm the rule for your exact job on the official page cited above. Size, height, structure and location (historic district, floodplain) can change the answer.
  2. Choose who applies. Many permits here must be pulled by a licensed contractor; ask any contractor to name the license they will use.
  3. Apply with the Chicago Department of Buildings through the official department website.
  4. Schedule inspections as the permit requires, and keep the final approval with your house records.

Recent Chicago Solar Panel Permits

IssuedAddressWork
2026-10-284359 S Wells StINSTALL SOLAR PANELS ON ROOF OF PRINCIPAL BUILDING. ROOF TYPE: STEEP (>5:12). INVERTER OUTPUT: 11.5 KW. ARRAY OUTPUT: 0.
2026-10-277010 S Maplewood AveINSTALL SOLAR PANELS ON ROOF OF PRINCIPAL BUILDING. ROOF TYPE: SLOPED (2:12 TO 5:12). INVERTER OUTPUT: 3.8 KW. ARRAY OUT
2026-10-278117 S Kildare AveINSTALL SOLAR PANELS ON ROOF OF PRINCIPAL BUILDING. ROOF TYPE: SLOPED (2:12 TO 5:12). INVERTER OUTPUT: 10 KW. ARRAY OUTP
2026-10-274522 S Oakenwald AveINSTALL SOLAR PANELS ON ROOF OF ACCESSORY BUILDING. ROOF TYPE: SLOPED (2:12 TO 5:12). INVERTER OUTPUT: 11.5 KW. ARRAY OU
2026-10-277648 S Loomis BlvdINSTALL SOLAR PANELS ON ROOF OF PRINCIPAL BUILDING. ROOF TYPE: SLOPED (2:12 TO 5:12). INVERTER OUTPUT: 11.5 KW. ARRAY OU
2026-10-277735 W Bryn Mawr AveINSTALL SOLAR PANELS ON ROOF OF ACCESSORY BUILDING. ROOF TYPE: SLOPED (2:12 TO 5:12). INVERTER OUTPUT: 10 KW. ARRAY OUTP
2026-10-27341 W 102Nd PlINSTALL SOLAR PANELS ON ROOF OF PRINCIPAL BUILDING. ROOF TYPE: SLOPED (2:12 TO 5:12). INVERTER OUTPUT: 11.5 KW. ARRAY OU
2026-10-278146 S Princeton AveINSTALL SOLAR PANELS ON ROOF OF PRINCIPAL BUILDING. ROOF TYPE: STEEP (>5:12). INVERTER OUTPUT: 10 KW. ARRAY OUTPUT: 4.74
2026-10-267100 W 64Th StINSTALL SOLAR PANELS ON ROOF OF PRINCIPAL BUILDING. ROOF TYPE: SLOPED (2:12 TO 5:12). INVERTER OUTPUT: 11.44 KW. ARRAY O
2026-10-265924 S Monitor AveINSTALL SOLAR PANELS ON ROOF OF PRINCIPAL BUILDING. ROOF TYPE: SLOPED (2:12 TO 5:12). INVERTER OUTPUT: 11.5 KW. ARRAY OU

Addresses and work descriptions as published by the city. Owner names and phone numbers are removed.

Chicago Solar Panel Contractors: Get Weekly Permit Lists

Contractors: get new permits for your trade and city every Monday. Join the waitlist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a solar panel permit in Chicago?

Yes. New small rooftop solar systems up to 13.44 kW inverter output can use Chicago's Express Permit Program, with drawings and calculations from an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer. Larger systems, roofs over 40 feet and some ballasted systems need a standard permit.

How many solar panel permits does Chicago issue?

Chicago issued 1,615 permits matching solar panel work between October 30, 2025 and October 30, 2026, about 135 a month. The busiest month was Aug 2026 with 212.

How much does a solar panel permit cost in Chicago?

We have not yet verified Chicago's fee for this work from an official fee schedule, so we do not quote one. The fee is set by the Chicago Department of Buildings when you apply. In the city's own records, the median fee paid on these permits over the last 12 months was $300.

How long does it take to get a solar panel permit in Chicago?

Based on the city's records, the median time from application to issue for these permits was 10 days over the last 12 months.

Who issues solar panel permits in Chicago?

The Chicago Department of Buildings.

Related Permit Guides

Written and maintained by the Home Permit Guide Editorial TeamPlaceholder profile

Last updated

This is a placeholder editorial profile. A named reviewer with verifiable experience will be added here. Until then, every rule on this page links to the official government source it was checked against. Read our editorial policy.

Sources

Official sources checked on . Rules change; confirm with the department before you start work.

  1. Chicago DOB Express Permit Program: Small-Scale Solar PV System (linked above) (chicago.gov)