Before your solar system can begin producing electricity, it must meet the applicable electrical safety and utility requirements.
For many customers, the permitting and approval process is the least familiar part of going solar.
At Stellr Solar, we coordinate the technical documentation and help guide your project through the required steps.
This guide explains how solar approvals generally work in Nova Scotia and why timelines can vary between projects.
Why Are Permits and Utility Approvals Required?
A solar installation becomes part of your property's electrical system. For grid-connected systems, it also interacts with the utility network.
Reviews and inspections help verify that the design and installation meet applicable requirements for:
- Electrical safety.
- Equipment protection.
- Grounding and bonding.
- Appropriate connection to existing electrical infrastructure.
- Safe interaction with the utility grid.
- Structural and building requirements, where applicable.
The exact approval process depends on the type and size of the system.
Who Is Involved in the Approval Process?
Residential Solar: Nova Scotia Power's Self-Generating Option
Most typical residential solar installations in Nova Scotia fall within Nova Scotia Power's Self-Generating Option (SGO).
Under this option, qualifying generation or storage systems with a capacity of 27 kW or less can connect behind an eligible customer's existing meter.
There is no separate SGO program application, but the installation must still complete the required electrical plan acceptance and inspection process.
Typical Residential Approval Stages
- Stellr Solar prepares the solar electrical design.
- Required electrical plans are submitted for review.
- Nova Scotia Power reviews the plans for acceptance.
- Installation proceeds after the appropriate acceptance and permits.
- Required on-site electrical inspections are arranged.
- Any necessary corrections are completed.
- The installation is energized once the applicable requirements are satisfied.
Additional steps may apply if the property needs electrical service upgrades or other changes.
Commercial Solar: Additional Interconnection Requirements
Larger commercial solar systems generally require a more extensive review.
Nova Scotia Power's Commercial Net Metering Program distinguishes between two project classes.
Class 1 — Greater Than 27 kW and Up to 100 kW
A Class 1 project requires an interconnection request and supporting documentation.
Depending on the installation, the application package may include:
- Electrical single-line diagram.
- Site plan.
- Solar and inverter specifications.
- Equipment certifications and approvals.
- Electrical protection details.
- Equipment labeling information.
The project must satisfy the utility's review, applicable agreement and electrical inspection requirements.
Class 2 — Greater Than 100 kW and Up to 1,000 kW
Larger projects use more detailed distribution-generator interconnection procedures.
These may involve:
- An optional preliminary assessment.
- Formal interconnection applications.
- Engineering and utility system studies.
- Electrical design and protection reviews.
- Interconnection agreements.
- Commercial net-metering program documentation.
- Additional inspections and commissioning requirements.
Some projects may require grid-related changes before connection can be approved.
Actual eligibility and approval are determined by the applicable utility program and site conditions.
What Is an Electrical Single-Line Diagram?
An electrical single-line diagram, commonly called an SLD, is a technical drawing showing how the solar equipment connects to the property's electrical system.
It may identify:
- Solar panels and inverter connections.
- Electrical panels and breakers.
- Disconnect switches and protective devices.
- Battery storage and backup controls.
- Utility connection points.
- Important conductor and equipment specifications.
Reviewers use the diagram to understand the proposed electrical configuration.
The installed system must correspond to its accepted design, including any approved revisions.
What Happens During an Electrical Inspection?
An electrical inspector examines relevant aspects of the installation for compliance with applicable requirements.
Depending on the project, inspectors may review:
- Electrical connections and wiring.
- Grounding and bonding.
- Breakers and disconnect equipment.
- Inverter installation and labeling.
- Battery protection and switching equipment.
- Equipment clearances.
- Compliance with accepted drawings.
Some projects require inspections at more than one construction stage.
If an inspector identifies an issue, additional work or documentation may be necessary before final acceptance.
Why Can Approval Take Longer Than Expected?
Approval timelines depend on many factors, including:
- Utility workload and application volume.
- System size and complexity.
- Existing electrical service conditions.
- Required engineering studies.
- Missing or revised documentation.
- Grid capacity or protection requirements.
- Inspection scheduling.
Not every delay means something is wrong with the solar system.
Our team monitors the required process and responds to requests for technical information or corrections.
Do I Need to Upgrade My Electrical Panel?
Not every property needs an electrical service or panel upgrade.
Whether an upgrade is necessary depends on the property's existing electrical equipment, installation design and applicable electrical rules.
Where an upgrade is required, we'll explain the proposed work and any impact on the project scope and cost.
Will My Electricity Meter Need to Be Replaced?
Some existing utility meters can measure electricity flowing both into and out of a property.
If the existing meter is unsuitable for the approved arrangement, the utility may need to replace or reconfigure it.
We'll coordinate the relevant steps where required.
Can My Solar System Operate Before Final Approval?
Solar equipment must not be operated contrary to applicable safety, electrical inspection or interconnection requirements.
The exact activation process depends on the project category.
For many smaller residential systems, completion of the required electrical inspection process is the main final milestone.
Larger commercial systems may need additional agreements or formal utility authorization before operation.
Our team will explain when your installation is cleared for activation.
How Do Solar Credits Work in Nova Scotia?
Under eligible Nova Scotia Power self-generation and commercial net-metering arrangements, qualifying surplus electricity can be exported to the grid.
Unused energy credits may be carried forward to offset eligible electricity consumption during the calendar year.
Nova Scotia Power uses January 1 as the annual reconciliation date.
Excess energy beyond the program's eligible annual consumption limit is not purchased under the standard arrangements.
Customers may still pay applicable monthly base charges, and commercial customers may continue paying demand charges.
Time-of-Day customers have additional period-specific crediting rules.
What Happens After Approval?
Once the installation has met the applicable requirements, our team completes the final commissioning steps and helps arrange monitoring access.
You'll be able to begin following your system's production through the supported monitoring platform.
Our Commitment
We understand that customers want their solar systems installed and operating as soon as possible.
Although we cannot control every utility or inspection timeline, we coordinate the required submissions and work to keep each project progressing.
Our goal is to deliver an installation that is professionally completed, properly reviewed and ready for long-term operation.
Official Nova Scotia Power Resources
For more information, visit:
Need Help or Have Questions?
Our team is here to support you throughout your solar journey.
Stellr Solar Customer Support
Email: info@stellrsolar.ca
Phone: 1-800-971-1295
Website: www.stellrsolar.ca
Explore our other guides in the Stellr Solar Learning & Support Centre for more information about installation, monitoring, maintenance, and energy savings.