Depending on the type and scale, solar installations need to comply with a number of local and provincial governing codes, regulations and requirements. The chart below provides a high-level overview of requirements that may apply to your planned solar installation. It is also recommended that you contact Toronto Hydro early in the permitting process to ensure your solar PV system will become operational as soon as possible.
| Type of Solar Installation | Net Metering | Electrical Safety Authority Approval | Building Permit | Zoning By-Law Review | Environmental Activity and Sector Registry (EASR) | Renewable Energy Approval (REA) from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rooftop solar | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Ground/pole mounted solar | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Ground mounted solar (between 10 and 500 kW) | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Ground mounted solar (above 500 kW) | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Note: You may require additional approvals, permits and/or authorizations from other ministries and approving bodies. You should discuss required permits and approvals with your solar installer. A well-informed solar installer who is knowledgeable about permitting requirements is critical to achieve an efficient permit approval process.
Net metering requirements are administered by Toronto Hydro. All solar PV installations in Toronto require Toronto Hydro’s approval to connect into the electricity grid, a process called ‘interconnection’. This interconnection approval must be granted before a solar PV installation is allowed to operate.
Solar water heating systems do not require utility approval unless a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system is included (hybrid systems have both grid-connected PV and thermal energy collection).
Solar projects connected to the electricity grid participate in the Net Metering program enabled by Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998 Regulation 541/05. Net energy metering (NEM), commonly known as net metering, is a metering and billing mechanism that allows customers to send electricity generated from their solar installation to Toronto Hydro’s distribution system for a credit towards their electricity bills. Excess generation credits can be carried forward for a consecutive 12-month period to offset future electricity bills.
Please refer to Toronto Hydro’s website for information on the Toronto Hydro grid connection process. Toronto Hydro can also be contacted via e-mail at DER@torontohydro.com.
Note: The solar installer assumes responsibility for submitting the required paperwork associated with interconnection and net metering to Toronto Hydro.
A building permit is required for the installation of certain solar collector systems, including solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Building permits allow the City to confirm that the proposed projects are compliant with the Ontario Building Code and other applicable laws. Typically, a permit application is submitted on behalf of a property owner by the contractor installing the solar energy system.
The Building Permit Application Guide for Solar Collectors outlines the application process and required documentation for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and other types of solar collectors. The Building Permit Application Guide for Designated Structures outlines the application process and required documentation for solar domestic hot water systems.
Permit Expiration
All permits expire 12 months after the date of issue. Failure to start the work authorized by a permit within a six-month period renders the Permit invalid and a new permit must be obtained.
The Inspection Process
Following permit issuance, building inspections are required to verify that the solar system was properly installed in accordance with the issued building permit. Residential solar systems typically require a single inspection. You can request an Inspection using the Building Inspection Web Application.
Zoning by-laws regulate the size, height, location and use of buildings and structures. In some instances, local zoning by-laws apply to solar projects. This depends on where your site is located, as well as the size and design of the proposed solar energy system.
As a result of Regulation 508/18 and Section 25.35.1 of Ontario’s Electricity Act, roof or wall-mounted solar systems installed in compliance with the Building Code are exempt from zoning by-laws. Please refer to the 508/18 and Section 25.35.1 of Ontario’s Electricity Act to learn more.
Freestanding or ground-mounted/pole-mounted solar systems are subject to local zoning by-law requirements. Also, any system built on a new structure (such as a carport, pergola, etc.) that is ancillary to an existing building is subject to zoning requirements.
You can request a preliminary zoning review at the design stage to determine whether your project design complies with applicable regulations. Refer to the Zoning Applicable Law Certificate for more information.
When a Heritage Permit is required, the review occurs in parallel to the building permit review process. To determine if your property is a listed or designated property, search the City of Toronto’s Heritage Register.
Heritage Planning supports solar installations on heritage buildings provided that the panels are minimally visible from the street. Heritage Planning should be contacted for approval of the intended address prior to commencing a solar installation. The review by Heritage Planning staff will take into account the visibility of the solar panels, the roof form of the building, and the specific heritage attributes of individually designated heritage properties or Heritage Conservation Districts. To find out more, see planning for heritage.
In addition to local zoning review by the City of Toronto, ground mounted solar installations are subject to environmental permitting requirements set out by the province, administered by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.
Solar projects under 10 kW are exempt from both EASR and REA. Similarly, wall-mounted and/or rooftop solar panels do not require a REA or registration on EASR, regardless of the peak capacity.
Ground-mounted solar projects with peak capacity greater than 500 kW need Renewable Energy Approval (REA) from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. An REA application requires the submission of various forms, design reports and studies to the Ministry. Please refer to the Ministry’s ‘Technical Guide to Renewable Energy Approvals‘.
While ground mounted solar projects greater than 500 kW, require a REA, projects between 10 kW and 500 kW are eligible for the Environmental Activity and Sector Registry (EASR), if they meet requirements set out in O. Reg 350/12 including specific operational requirements. To review requirements for compliance, please refer to ‘Small ground-mounted solar facilities user guide for Environmental Activity & Sector Registry (EASR)’.
Amongst other requirements, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks has imposed certain setback distances to the property boundary, natural features and water bodies. Ground mounted solar projects (including solar carports) must be set not less than 15 meters from the property boundary and 30 meters away from any water body.
Understanding requirements allow applicants to submit a complete and accurate permit application.
Pursuing utility approval early in the process will enable your solar PV system to become operational as soon as possible.
The inspector will verify that the installation aligns with proposed plans and any changes may require corrections and more inspections.