Solar permitting in Houston
How to pull a solar permit, get interconnected, and understand the AHJ requirements specific to Houston, with direct links to Houston Permitting Center and CenterPoint Energy (TDU) + your chosen Retail Electric Provider.
Permit office
Houston Permitting Center
Utility
CenterPoint Energy (TDU) + your chosen Retail Electric Provider
Permit timeline
5–15 business days
Permit fee
$200–$500 typical residential
Your solar project, step by step
- 1. Pick a licensed solar contractor. Texas requires Master Electrician (TDLR). Verify license status before signing. The Aora Solar directory flags state-licensed contractors with a ✓ badge.
- 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. Permit submission. Your contractor pulls the permit through Houston Permitting Center. Typical permit timeline in Houston is 5–15 business days.
- 4. Installation. Most residential rooftop PV installs take 1–3 days of on-site work once the permit is approved.
- 5. Inspection. Houston Permitting Center performs a final inspection. Schedule this through the permit office.
- 6. Interconnection & PTO. Your contractor submits the interconnection paperwork to CenterPoint Energy (TDU) + your chosen Retail Electric Provider. Permission to Operate (PTO) typically arrives within 30–60 days of submission. You may not legally operate the system before PTO.
Resources for Houston homeowners
Working under Houston Permitting Center
Notable local requirements
- •Houston follows the Houston Construction Code (based on IRC + amendments).
- •Wind-load engineering required for installations in coastal areas.
- •Texas-licensed Master Electrician must perform the electrical scope.
- •Solar buyback varies by your Retail Electric Provider — shop providers before signing.
Utility interconnection
CenterPoint Energy (TDU) + your chosen Retail Electric Provider
Utility solar/interconnection page ↗Resources for Houston installers
Broader Texas context
Texas requires Master Electrician (TDLR). Varies by utility — no state-mandated NEM is the current export compensation framework. See the full state guide for licensing requirements, interconnection rules, and incentives.
Texas solar permitting guide →Last reviewed 2026-06-03. Local permitting requirements change. Always verify current rules with Houston Permitting Center and CenterPoint Energy (TDU) + your chosen Retail Electric Provider before starting a project.
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