Install or Replace Solar Panels

Installing solar panels can help reduce your energy use and transition your household to renewable energy.

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The City of Boston supports insulation installation through programs like the Homeworks Green Loan Program and Solarize Eastie. To learn about Massachusetts state solar system incentives and programs, please visit Mass.gov.

Who can install or replace solar panels?

Homeowners and contractors can apply for the Short-form or Long-form Permit.
Only a contractor with a valid, non-expired Massachusetts trade license may apply for an Electrical Permit and perform any electrical work related to installing solar panels.

What Permits Do I Need?

Short Form Permit

For Work Being Done on a 1-2 Family Dwelling

Installing solar panels in the City of Boston requires both a building permit and an electrical permit through the Building Division, along with the submission of all required supporting documents.

Applicants must submit the following:

Structural engineer’s report confirming the condition of the roof
Engineer-stamped plans showing the location of Energy Storage System (ESS) batteries
- If multiple batteries are installed, they must be located at least 3 feet apart
Electrical permit

Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license for the licensed builder
Sketch or diagram showing the location and placement of panels on the roof
Homeowner waiver and site safety affidavit, signed by the homeowner

Long Form Permit

For Work Being Done a a 3 Family or Larger Dwelling (apartment building, multi-unit condo or one floor of a triple decker house

Installing solar panels in the City of Boston requires both a building permit and an electrical permit through the Building Division, along with the submission of all required supporting documents.

Stamped, signed and dated architectural or engineering plans by a Mass Registered Design Professional showing the roof layout and configuration with the solar panels providing safe emergency access.
Electrical permit
Mattox Higgins signed affidavit
Location and layout diagrams of the installation area.
Descriptions of energy storage management systems

Structural support details
Engineer stamped plans showing the location of ESS batteries (if multiple batteries are installed, they must be located 3 ft. apart)
Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license for the licensed builder
Specifications and ratings of the Energy Storage System (ESS) components Including listing and labeling of all parts and shutoffs

Electrcal Permit

Residential systems are typically capped at 20 kWh per unit, with total aggregate caps (e.g., 80 kWh in detached garages) and required to be in a fire rated area.

An Energy Storage System (ESS) for net metering purposes is a commercially available technology that is capable of:

absorbing energy;
storing it for a period of time; and thereafter
dispatching the electricity.

Massachusetts regulations for Energy Storage Systems (ESS) requires adherence to

780 CMR (Building Code), 527 CMR 1.00 (Fire Code), and 527 CMR 12.00 (Electrical Code), generally enforcing UL 9540 standards.

Key Regulatory and Safety Requirements.

Remember hard wired smoke detectors are required when installing a residential Energy Storage System (ESS). They must be installed in the room or area housing the energy batteries, such as a garage or basement, and be connected to the home’s existing smoke alarm system to ensure they all sound together.

Safety Standards: Systems must be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 9540.
Locations: They are permitted in basements (if not used for living/sleeping), attached/detached garages, or outside. Installation of ESS cannot be installed in living areas or sleeping units.
Separation: Individual units must be separated by at least 3 ft. distance to avoid thermal runway or unless otherwise permitted by the manufacturer.
Fire Protection: If not installed in a dedicated fire-rated room, the installation area (e.g., garage walls/ceiling) often requires 5/8” Type X gypsum board protection.

Environmental and Zoning

Noise: Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) must comply with local noise ordinances and MassDEP regulations (310 CMR 7.10).
Water Protection: Some Projects may require MassDEP approval under Chapter 91 for work near wetlands or water bodies. Some projects may require MassDEP approval per Chapter 91 regulations for projects in vicinity of wetlands or bodies of water
Emergency Planning: New, larger BESS projects may require submitted emergency response plans before commissioning.

Note: As of July 1, 2026, projects with a 100 MWh capacity or greater will be under the sole jurisdiction of the Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB).

For state rules on energy storage systems, please refer to Superseding Guidance for Energy Storage Systems on Installations in one and two family dwellings.