Getting Started with Solar

Welcome to the City of Carmel’s solar resource webpage. The City of Carmel is a SolSmart Silver level city, and we are seeking ways to encourage solar energy development in our community. This webpage represents a collection of solar information and resources for residents and businesses. Our community’s solar goals can be found below.
For more information about the basics of solar energy, your solar options, and questions to ask solar professionals, read the Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Power and visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar. In addition, here is a link to A Solar Energy Glossary from the Department of Energy.

Our Solar Commitment

The City of Carmel is committed to exceptional customer service as it relates to solar permitting.
To promote the continued advancement of solar in our community we offer the following:

• Our community’s solar goals can be found in our Solar Statement.

• Residential and commercial solar permits can be applied for and reviewed online
  - Application Portal

• A checklist has been created to assist customers with completing all of the application requirements
  - Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Permitting Checklist
  - Spanish Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Permitting Checklist

• Our staff is committed to a turnaround time of 10 days or less for all solar permit applications.

• Inspection appointments will be organized following review of all applicant documents
  - Solar Inspection Pre-checklist

• Only one electrical inspection is required for residential solar installations.

• City Installed Solar
  - Carmel Utilities Solar Projects

Additional Solar Permitting Information

• Residential solar panels are allowed in all zoning districts as an Accessory Use
  - Solar as Accessory Use Zoning Determination Letter

• Solar Zoning Fact Sheet
  Spanish Solar Zoning Fact Sheet