PV Solar Permitting Requirements for Commercial/Business in Hawaii (2022)

Many people overlook Hawaii as an option for PV solar because of the misconception that it’s too expensive and complicated to install the panels due to permitting regulations. However, in this article, we’ll dive into the details of Hawaii’s specific permitting regulations for commercial solar systems, which will make it much easier to navigate the process. Let’s take a look at the impending requirements for Hawaii’s “Generate Your Own Power” program for businesses and the commercial sector.

Qualification of Contractor:

If you want to install a solar PV system on your commercial property, then you need to make sure whether your contractor is qualified enough to meet the requirements or not? You can check with The “Hawaii State Energy Office” about contractors who have an active license. In order to get an electrical permit for your commercial solar installation, a contractor must have the following attributes.

• The installation company/contractor must have a (C-13) electrical contracting license
• Contractor should have Hawaii Solar Power Systems (C-60) License
• Licensed journeyman electricians
• Contractor should have liability insurance:

The first thing is that solar contracting firms should be licensed in the State of Hawaii. Secondly, it should also possess a C-60 solar installation license. In Hawaii, a C-60 solar power systems contractor may assemble and install photovoltaic panels on commercial and residential buildings or structures.

A qualified installer must have at least one journeyman electrician who has passed an examination to receive a C-13 electrical contracting license. Only a skilled electrician can be capable enough to check that your solar panels are properly grounded and connected to the correct wires. The Journeyman electrician is also responsible to check that all circuits are wired properly and working safely.

Your solar contractor should have liability insurance because if any damage occurs to your property during installation, you can file a claim. The solar contractor must also be able to provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance. In Hawaii, all employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance on behalf of their employees.

What are Submittal Requirements?

If you’re a business owner and want to generate your own solar power, one of your first questions will be, what are submittal requirements? The answer is as follows.

• Duly Filled DER Submittal Form
• Single-Line Diagram
• Three-Line Diagram for solar systems ( ≥ 30 kW)
• Completed Exhibit A
• Completed Exhibit D (Insurance Certificate )
• Signature Pages/Can be with Electronic signatures
• Installation Equipment specification sheets
• Trip Scheme (if applicable)
• Facility equipment list
• Relay list (if applicable)

Business owners need to complete Distributed Energy Resource (DER) submittal form and submit it with other required documents like a single-line diagram of the whole project, three-line diagram (large projects), Exhibit A, Exhibit D (Insurance Certificate), signature pages, etc. There is also a need to provide specification sheets for solar installation equipment and a relay list if applicable. It’s recommended that business owners should hire an engineer or someone who has knowledge of electrical codes to ensure that all information provided in the submittal form is accurate and as per the requirements of the project.

Construction Drawings as per Local Building Codes/Standards:

Another requirement for getting a work permit from Hawaiian Electric is to have your commercial installation drawings (pertaining to the latest local building codes) checked and verified by an electrical engineer.

This is just another minor requirement. However, it ensures that your solar installation will be safe and up to date with Hawaii’s local guidelines and building codes for longevity. Any flaws or modifications made without the correct documentation would result in the rejection of the permit application.

All building codes and standards should be met, with consideration given to local climate conditions and exposure before submitting to get the solar work permit.

Many people overlook Hawaii as an option for PV solar because of the misconception that it’s too expensive and complicated to install the panels due to permitting regulations. However, in this article, we’ll dive into the details of Hawaii’s specific permitting regulations for commercial solar systems, which will make it much easier to navigate the process. Let’s take a look at the impending requirements for Hawaii’s “Generate Your Own Power” program for businesses and the commercial sector.

Qualification of Contractor:

If you want to install a solar PV system on your commercial property, then you need to make sure whether your contractor is qualified enough to meet the requirements or not? You can check with The “Hawaii State Energy Office” about contractors who have an active license. In order to get an electrical permit for your commercial solar installation, a contractor must have the following attributes.

• The installation company/contractor must have a (C-13) electrical contracting license
• Contractor should have Hawaii Solar Power Systems (C-60) License
• Licensed journeyman electricians
• Contractor should have liability insurance:

The first thing is that solar contracting firms should be licensed in the State of Hawaii. Secondly, it should also possess a C-60 solar installation license. In Hawaii, a C-60 solar power systems contractor may assemble and install photovoltaic panels on commercial and residential buildings or structures.

A qualified installer must have at least one journeyman electrician who has passed an examination to receive a C-13 electrical contracting license. Only a skilled electrician can be capable enough to check that your solar panels are properly grounded and connected to the correct wires. The Journeyman electrician is also responsible to check that all circuits are wired properly and working safely.

Your solar contractor should have liability insurance because if any damage occurs to your property during installation, you can file a claim. The solar contractor must also be able to provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance. In Hawaii, all employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance on behalf of their employees.

What are Submittal Requirements?

If you’re a business owner and want to generate your own solar power, one of your first questions will be, what are submittal requirements? The answer is as follows.

• Duly Filled DER Submittal Form
• Single-Line Diagram
• Three-Line Diagram for solar systems ( ≥ 30 kW)
• Completed Exhibit A
• Completed Exhibit D (Insurance Certificate )
• Signature Pages/Can be with Electronic signatures
• Installation Equipment specification sheets
• Trip Scheme (if applicable)
• Facility equipment list
• Relay list (if applicable)

Business owners need to complete Distributed Energy Resource (DER) submittal form and submit it with other required documents like a single-line diagram of the whole project, three-line diagram (large projects), Exhibit A, Exhibit D (Insurance Certificate), signature pages, etc. There is also a need to provide specification sheets for solar installation equipment and a relay list if applicable. It’s recommended that business owners should hire an engineer or someone who has knowledge of electrical codes to ensure that all information provided in the submittal form is accurate and as per the requirements of the project.

Construction Drawings as per Local Building Codes/Standards:

Another requirement for getting a work permit from Hawaiian Electric is to have your commercial installation drawings (pertaining to the latest local building codes) checked and verified by an electrical engineer.

This is just another minor requirement. However, it ensures that your solar installation will be safe and up to date with Hawaii’s local guidelines and building codes for longevity. Any flaws or modifications made without the correct documentation would result in the rejection of the permit application.

All building codes and standards should be met, with consideration given to local climate conditions and exposure before submitting to get the solar work permit.