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New York · NY · Solar Permitting

Solar permitting in New York

How to pull a solar permit, get interconnected, and understand the AHJ requirements specific to New York, with direct links to NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) and Con Edison (Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Westchester).

Permit office

NYC Department of Buildings (DOB)

Utility

Con Edison (Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Westchester)

Permit timeline

30–60 business days (NYC DOB)

Permit fee

$300–$1,000 typical residential

For New York homeowners

Your solar project, step by step

  1. 1. Pick a licensed solar contractor. New York requires Master Electrician + NY-Sun Participating Contractor. Verify license status before signing. The Aora Solar directory flags state-licensed contractors with a ✓ badge.
  2. 2. Site survey & design. Your contractor measures the roof, evaluates shading, and proposes a system size. Get this in writing along with a panel/inverter brand list and warranty terms.
  3. 3. Permit submission. Your contractor pulls the permit through NYC Department of Buildings (DOB). Typical permit timeline in New York is 30–60 business days (NYC DOB).
  4. 4. Installation. Most residential rooftop PV installs take 1–3 days of on-site work once the permit is approved.
  5. 5. Inspection. NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) performs a final inspection. Schedule this through the permit office.
  6. 6. Interconnection & PTO. Your contractor submits the interconnection paperwork to Con Edison (Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Westchester). Permission to Operate (PTO) typically arrives within 30–60 days of submission. You may not legally operate the system before PTO.

Resources for New York homeowners

For contractors installing in New York

Working under NYC Department of Buildings (DOB)

Notable local requirements

  • •NYC Building Code §1505.9 governs rooftop solar installations.
  • •Roof structural review by Registered Architect or Engineer required.
  • •FDNY review required for buildings >40 ft height for fire access pathways.
  • •Landmark Preservation Commission review required for properties in landmark districts.
  • •All installs must be performed by Licensed Master Electrician for the electrical scope.

Permit office

NYC Department of Buildings (DOB)

Open permit office page ↗

Utility interconnection

Con Edison (Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Westchester)

Utility solar/interconnection page ↗

Resources for New York installers

Broader New York context

New York requires Master Electrician + NY-Sun Participating Contractor. Full retail net metering (transitioning to Value of DER) is the current export compensation framework. See the full state guide for licensing requirements, interconnection rules, and incentives.

New York solar permitting guide →

Last reviewed 2026-06-03. Local permitting requirements change. Always verify current rules with NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) and Con Edison (Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Westchester) before starting a project.

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