Thinking About Solar? Know the Rules First

Interest in solar power continues to grow, and we often hear from both residents and solar providers with questions about installations. While key requirements for solar projects in the City of St. Charles are available on the City’s website, here are some guidelines.

A reminder: The City of St. Charles owns and operates its own electric utility through the Public Works Electric Services Division. To protect the integrity and safety of our electric distribution system, all solar installations within city limits must be permitted through the City’s Building and Code Enforcement Division.

Here's what you need to know:

• A permit application and detailed installation plan set (including drawings, equipment, and electrical details) are required. 
• Both the building’s electric service and the solar installation must meet current codes under Title 15.04 and Title 13.08, and the electric service may be required to be code upgraded.
• Solar installations that connect to a building’s electric system are considered interconnections, and they must meet specific standards under the National Electrical Code (NEC) — specifically Article 690 for solar and Article 705 for interconnection. Note: Both the Building Department and Electric Utility Division review Article 690. Only the Electric Utility Division reviews Article 705.
• Any solar energy not powering the customer’s immediate consumption of electricity and which is returned to the Electric Utility Distribution system will be credited to the homeowner as required by Illinois’ CEJA law, if the system is properly interconnected and metered.

City Code covering the basic requirements related to customer self-generation interconnection and Fair Solar Credits for renewable energy generation is found in sections 13.08.315 and 13.08.320 of the City of St. Charles Municipal Code.

Please be aware that not all solar sales representatives are familiar with or concerned about local code requirements. Before signing any agreements, contact the City of St. Charles for guidance and ensure your installation follows all applicable rules.

If you have questions, call 630-377-4407 and request to be directed to someone concerning solar installations.