Do You Need a Solar Panel Permit in New Orleans?
Yes
Rooftop solar in New Orleans is permitted as an electrical permit, which only a contractor with a Class A City of New Orleans electrical license can obtain. Since March 1, 2025, applications need an approved SolarAPP+ plan review.
New Orleans Solar Panel Permits at a Glance
- Permits, last 12 months
- 244
- Issued, last 30 days
- 4
- Median application to issue
- 25 days
- Median declared job value
- $39,056
- Issuing office
- New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits
- Rule last checked
- October 30, 2026
Permits Issued per Month
Counts are approximate: we match permit types and descriptions to solar panel work. Data from NOLA Permits, refreshed October 30, 2026.
What New Orleans's Rules Say
- Rooftop solar is classified as an electrical permit.
- Only Class A city-licensed electrical contractors can apply.
- An approved SolarAPP+ plan review PDF is required (since March 1, 2025).
New Orleans Solar Panel Permit Fees
| Item | Official fee |
|---|---|
| Electrical (solar) permit | $40 + $3 per new circuit + $0.30 per service amp |
From City of New Orleans: Solar Permitting (listed under Sources below). Fees are set by the city and can change.
Busiest Areas for Solar Panel Permits
| Neighborhood | Permits (12 mo) |
|---|---|
| Bayou St John | 11 |
| Bywater,Bywater | 9 |
| Audubon | 8 |
| Gentilly Terrace | 8 |
| Bayou St John,Bayou St John | 8 |
| Navarre | 7 |
How to Get a Solar Panel Permit in New Orleans
- 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.
- Choose who applies. Many permits here must be pulled by a licensed contractor; ask any contractor to name the license they will use.
- Apply with the New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits through the official department website.
- Schedule inspections as the permit requires, and keep the final approval with your house records.
Recent New Orleans Solar Panel Permits
| Issued | Address | Work |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-16 | 5925 Perrier St | Installation of roof mounted solar panel with inverter. **Not eligible for SolarApp*** |
| 2026-10-15 | 5925 Perrier St | Need a temporary disconnect with Entergy to complete solar installation. |
| 2026-10-15 | 5925 Perrier St | Installation of roof mounted solar panel with inverter. **Not eligible for SolarApp*** |
| 2026-10-13 | 2208 Joseph St | Installation of 27 modules to existing roof |
| 2026-09-29 | 1435 Pace Blvd | re-roof - NO SOLAR WORK PERMITTED UNDER THIS PERMIT PLEASE NOTE: Re-roofing permits DO NOT require an inspection from Sa |
| 2026-09-23 | 1529 Athis St | Installation of 27 solar panels to existing roof |
| 2026-09-17 | 5472 Canal Blvd | We will need a temporary disconnect with the utility to complete the solar install. |
| 2026-09-17 | 5472 Canal Blvd | Installation of roof mounted solar panels with inverter and battery backup. Not eligible for SolarApp. |
| 2026-09-17 | 5472 Canal Blvd | Installation of solar panels with inverter and battery backup. Not eligible for SolarApp. |
| 2026-09-15 | 5919 Marigny St | Need a temporary disconnect to complete solar and do the following remediations to pass inspection: Bonding screw not in |
Addresses and work descriptions as published by the city. Owner names and phone numbers are removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a solar panel permit in New Orleans?
Yes. Rooftop solar in New Orleans is permitted as an electrical permit, which only a contractor with a Class A City of New Orleans electrical license can obtain. Since March 1, 2025, applications need an approved SolarAPP+ plan review.
How many solar panel permits does New Orleans issue?
New Orleans issued 244 permits matching solar panel work between October 30, 2025 and October 30, 2026, about 20 a month. The busiest month was Dec 2025 with 50.
How much does a solar panel permit cost in New Orleans?
From the official fee schedule: Electrical (solar) permit: $40 + $3 per new circuit + $0.30 per service amp.
How long does it take to get a solar panel permit in New Orleans?
Based on the city's records, the median time from application to issue for these permits was 25 days over the last 12 months.
Who issues solar panel permits in New Orleans?
The New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits.
Related Permit Guides
- New Orleans Roofing Permits
- New Orleans HVAC Permits
- New Orleans Fence Permits
- Austin Solar Panel Permits
- Chicago Solar Panel Permits
- Solar Panel Permits by City
- Solar Panel Permit Rules for Homeowners
Sources
Official sources checked on . Rules change; confirm with the department before you start work.
- City of New Orleans: Solar Permitting (linked above) (nola.gov)