Solar Energy

The City of Meridian is a SolSmart designated community. SolSmart is a national designation and technical assistance program funded through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office. Through the evaluation of the existing permitting, inspection, and zoning processes, the City is working to reduce barriers and identify opportunities to help streamline solar permitting and inspections. This process supports the City’s strategic goal of implementing financially responsible, sustainable, and environmentally conscious projects that promote energy efficiency.

Photovoltaic System Installation

Building Permit Required; electrical plan review required for all photovoltaic installations.

Residential Solar Checklist PDF »
Commercial Solar Checklist PDF »
Zoning Requirements PDF »
Fees – All Solar permits are based on project value. The applicant provides us with the bid amount of the job.

Fee calculations are as follows based on that valuation:
Value $0.00 to $2,000 = $40.00 base fee + 2.5% of value
Value $2,001 to $10,000 = $100.00 base fee + 1% of Value
Value Over $10,001 = $180.00 base fee + .5% (of portion over $10,000.00)

Apply for Residential Electrical Solar Array or Commercial Electrical Solar Array permits using our Citizens Access Portal at citizenportal.meridiancity.org/CitizenAccess».

For more information on solar installation and permits contact the building department at 208-888-4433.

Idaho Power

Contact Idaho Power before starting a solar project regarding the net meter application. The contact is Scott Gates at 208-888-2518 or sgates@idahopower.com or netmetering@idahopower.com. Idaho Power will also be involved with a system test after a municipal electrical inspection is passed.