Thinking about adding solar to your Round Rock home but not sure where to start with permits and utility approvals? You’re not alone. You want a smooth install, clear steps, and confidence that your system will pass inspection and connect to the grid without surprises. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how residential solar permitting works in Round Rock, what to submit, how inspections flow, and how to coordinate with Oncor for Permission to Operate. Let’s dive in.
How solar permits work in Round Rock
A residential solar permit confirms your design meets local building and electrical codes and that your installation is safe. In Round Rock, you apply through the City’s online system, submit plans, complete inspections during installation, and then work with Oncor for interconnection and final Permission to Operate (PTO).
For current rules, plan checklists, fees, and the permit portal, start at the City of Round Rock Permit Center. The City’s permit pages outline submittal requirements, inspection scheduling, adopted codes, and portal access.
Step-by-step: From plans to PTO
1) Prep before you apply
- Decide who will apply for the permit. In most cases, a licensed electrical or solar contractor applies and coordinates inspections. If you’re hiring an installer, confirm this in your contract.
- Verify your installer’s license. You can check credentials through the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation.
- Gather equipment information. You will need manufacturer specification sheets for modules, inverters, racking, and any battery equipment.
- Confirm scope. If you plan to add energy storage or upgrade your meter, you will have additional submittal items and approvals.
2) Submit your application online
- Create an account and complete the residential building/electrical permit application in the City’s portal. You can access the system from the City of Round Rock permit portal link on the Permit Center pages.
- Upload your plan set and required documents. See “What to include in your plan set” below.
- Pay plan review and permit fees as listed in the City’s fee schedule on the Permit Center.
3) City plan review
- A City reviewer checks your structural attachments, electrical single-line, labeling, equipment specs, and code compliance based on the City’s adopted editions.
- You may receive comments or requests for corrections through the portal. Respond quickly to keep your timeline on track.
4) Permit issuance
- After you address comments, the City issues the permit. You can print the placard and approved plans from the portal.
5) Schedule inspections
- Typical inspections include a rough or electrical inspection, a roof/structural check if needed, and a final inspection.
- Battery systems often require additional inspections and labeling verification.
- Request inspections through the City’s online portal and be ready to show all required labels and clearances.
6) Apply for utility interconnection
- Submit your interconnection application to Oncor and, if required, your Retail Electric Provider (REP). See Oncor distributed generation and interconnection for forms and requirements.
- You may be asked for final inspection sign-off, as-built one-line drawings, inverter export settings, and equipment specs.
- Texas does not have a uniform statewide net-metering law. Buyback and crediting for excess energy are set by your REP. The Public Utility Commission of Texas provides statewide guidance on interconnection and retail rules.
7) Permission to Operate (PTO)
- Do not energize your system to export power until you have both City final inspection approval and utility PTO.
- Oncor will complete its review and, when needed, perform meter work before granting PTO.
What to include in your plan set
Providing a complete, clean package helps you avoid delays in plan review. Your submittal typically includes:
- Permit application form for residential electrical and, if needed, building scope.
- Contractor information and license numbers.
- Site plan showing your home’s orientation, array locations, setbacks, equipment locations, and the main service equipment.
- PV layout and module array plan, including array orientation, dimensions, and racking/attachment details.
- Structural information if roof penetrations or framing details are relevant, including attachment details and any required calculations.
- Electrical single-line diagram showing PV modules, combiners, inverter(s), AC disconnect, overcurrent protection, conductor types and sizes, conduit runs, grounding and bonding, and meter location.
- Manufacturer specification sheets for modules, inverters, racking, rapid shutdown equipment, and batteries if included.
- Labeling and placard schedule that matches National Electrical Code requirements and any City standards.
- Battery storage addenda when applicable, including installation method and any ventilation or fire protection details.
- Utility interconnection documents if required at this stage.
Pro tip: Name files clearly and match page numbers to the City’s checklist so reviewers can verify each item quickly.
Inspections and codes to expect
Round Rock enforces the building and electrical codes it has adopted. The National Electrical Code includes specific solar requirements such as rapid shutdown, disconnects, and labeling. You can confirm adopted editions and local amendments by checking the City’s current building and electrical codes on the Permit Center.
Typical inspection order
- Rough or electrical inspection after wiring and conduit are installed and before concealment.
- Roof or structural inspection if required by the City or if attachments affect structural elements.
- Final electrical inspection after all equipment is installed and labeled.
- Battery energy storage checks when applicable, which may include additional labeling and listing verification.
Make sure your installer completes a pre-inspection walkthrough and confirms details the inspector will review, including clear working space at equipment, correct labeling, proper grounding and bonding, and code-compliant roof attachments.
Coordinating with Oncor and your REP
Your system must be approved for grid connection before it can export power. Plan for these steps:
- Complete Oncor’s interconnection application early, ideally while your permit is in plan review. See the Oncor distributed generation and interconnection resources for requirements.
- Provide final City inspection approvals when requested.
- Confirm whether a visible AC disconnect is required by the utility and that your inverter settings meet export and anti-islanding requirements.
- Coordinate meter work. Oncor may need to replace or test your revenue meter before PTO.
- Check with your REP regarding energy buyback eligibility and rates. Texas does not mandate net metering statewide, so policies vary by REP. The Public Utility Commission of Texas offers guidance on interconnection rules and retail policies.
Timelines and fees
- Plan review: A few business days to 2 to 3 weeks is common, depending on workload and submittal completeness.
- Inspections: Many jurisdictions schedule within 24 to 72 hours after a request, with longer waits during busy seasons.
- Interconnection: Simple residential systems often receive PTO in 1 to 6 weeks depending on utility review, meter needs, and REP coordination. Storage and larger systems may take longer.
- Fees: Permit and plan-review fees are set by the City’s fee schedule. Check the Permit Center pages on the City of Round Rock website for current fee details and accepted payment methods in the portal.
Avoid delays: What matters most
- Clarify responsibilities. Confirm who is pulling the permit, who pays fees, and who handles Oncor paperwork.
- Submit a complete package. Include the site plan, PV layout, single-line diagram, equipment specs, and structural details in one upload.
- Order structural calculations early if they are likely to be required.
- Label everything. Accurate labeling that matches your one-line speeds final inspection.
- Plan your inspection sequence with the installer. Share your schedule and leave access clear to equipment.
- Time interconnection with your final inspection. Let Oncor know your expected final date so meter work and PTO can follow quickly.
Selling a Round Rock home with solar
If you plan to sell in the next few years, keep your solar paperwork tidy. Buyers appreciate a system that is permitted, inspected, and operating under utility PTO. Keep these documents handy:
- Approved permit and stamped plan set
- Inspection sign-offs
- As-built one-line diagram
- Equipment manuals and warranties
- Utility PTO confirmation and any REP buyback enrollment paperwork
Presenting a complete solar file can make due diligence easier for buyers and their lenders.
Quick checklist
- Verify your contractor’s license with TDLR.
- Gather: site plan, PV layout, single-line, spec sheets, attachment details, structural calcs if needed.
- Apply through the City’s online permit portal and pay fees.
- Respond to plan-review comments quickly.
- Schedule rough, structural if required, and final inspections through the portal.
- Submit Oncor and REP interconnection applications early via Oncor’s resources.
- Wait for City final approval and Oncor PTO before exporting power.
- Keep all documents and as-builts for future resale.
Ready to move from research to reality? If you want a local perspective on how solar upgrades fit into your Round Rock home’s value story, we’re here to help you plan ahead for permits, inspections, and resale.
Inspire your next chapter — Schedule a consultation with Unknown Company.
FAQs
Who should apply for a Round Rock solar permit?
- In most cases, your licensed electrical or solar contractor applies and holds the electrical permit. Confirm this in your installation contract.
What documents do I need for a Round Rock solar submittal?
- Expect to provide an application form, site plan, PV layout, electrical single-line, equipment spec sheets, labeling schedule, and any needed structural details.
How long does Round Rock plan review and PTO take?
- Plan review typically takes a few days to 2 to 3 weeks. Interconnection and PTO often add 1 to 6 weeks depending on utility and REP processing.
When can I turn on my solar system to export power?
- Only after your City final inspection is approved and Oncor grants Permission to Operate. Do not export before PTO.
Does Texas have statewide net metering for solar?
- No. Buyback and crediting for excess energy are set by your Retail Electric Provider. Check policies and rates with your REP and review guidance from the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
How do I verify my solar installer’s license in Texas?
- Use the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation to verify electrical contractor and electrician licenses.
