Steps to Get a Permit for Home Solar Installation

Installing a grid-connected home solar system requires notifying or obtaining permission from the relevant agencies before use, for the safety of your home and the wider power system. This article summarises the overall steps. Actual details depend on your area, system size and each agency’s latest announcements.

Agencies involved

• Your local electricity authority: the MEA (Metropolitan Electricity Authority) for Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan, or the PEA (Provincial Electricity Authority) for other provinces. They handle grid connection and site inspection.
• Office of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC): handles notification or licensing for power generation according to system size.
• Local authorities such as the district office, municipality or Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, where building structure notification is required.

Documents usually needed

• Copies of the electricity account holder’s ID card and house registration
• An electricity bill or electricity account number
• An electrical drawing of the solar system certified by an electrical engineer
• A roof structural strength certificate certified by a civil engineer
• Model details of the panels and inverter used

Overall steps

1. An engineer surveys the site, checking the roof, meter and consumer unit.
2. The system is designed and documents are prepared.
3. Applications are submitted to the electricity authority and other relevant agencies.
4. The system is installed according to the submitted design.
5. The electricity authority inspects the site and replaces the meter if necessary.
6. The system starts operating.

What our team handles for the homeowner

The SCAN EARTH POWER team handles all the paperwork, from preparing drawings and engineer certification to submitting applications and coordinating site inspections. Homeowners only need to prepare the personal documents the team requests. Details of the steps and timeline are provided after the site survey. See an overview of the work in our solar installation service.