Code Requirements
All work must be done to the standards of the latest edition of the National Electrical Code adopted by the State of Minnesota.
Application Requirements
- A completed Electrical Permit Application
- The required permit fee
Inspections
Please call the inspector listed on your permit for required inspection(s), between 7:30 am and 9:00 am, Monday-Friday. Contractors with one- and two-family residential permits can schedule their inspections online here. Note: the contractor must be present for all Solar/PV Electrical permit inspections.
Fees
| Description | Amount |
0-20 kW (kilowatt) System | $138.00 |
21-40 kW System | $332.00 |
Above 40 kW | $315, plus $3.00 for every kW above 40 kW |
State Surcharge (minimum) | $1.00 |
The fee is based on the total estimated alternating current (ac) energy output of the solar system in kilowatts (kW). A kilowatt is equal to 1,000 watts. The solar PV fee includes the solar panels, inverters, disconnecting means, overcurrent devices, metering, conductors, and related equipment between the solar panels and service equipment. Fractions of a kilowatt (kW) will be rounded to the nearest whole number. '
Expiration/Renewal
Each permit issued shall expire if the work authorized by the permit is not commenced within 180 days from the date issued, or if the work is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work has begun for a period of 180 days. In addition, exterior work done on a single-family or two-family dwelling (including garages) must be completed within one year from the date issued. Interior and exterior work done on commercial properties (including hotels and apartment buildings) where the permit valuation is under $500,000 must be completed within one year from the date issued. See Chapter 33.04 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code and section 3800.3780 Subpart of the Minnesota Rules.
Questions
Contact the Electrical Inspection Department at 651-266-9003 (7:30 am to 9:00 am, Monday-Friday), or send an email to the DSI Message Center.
For questions about State standards, contact the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry at 651-284-5064.