Permits and grid connection steps for a solar installation

Which systems require a permit process?

The deciding question is whether the system will be connected to the grid. A grid-connected (on-grid) or hybrid system can feed the electricity it produces into the grid, so it goes through the distribution company's approval. In Türkiye, rooftop and small-scale systems are generally considered under the regulations on unlicensed electricity generation.

Fully off-grid systems and solar irrigation pumps that are not connected to the grid do not enter this connection process. However, this does not mean they are subject to no rules at all; electrical installation safety rules and regulations on construction and land use still apply.

The steps in this article are a general framework. Regulations can change over time; which power goes through which process, which documents are required and how surplus production is treated should be checked against the legislation in force on the date of application.

How does the process go step by step?

In a grid-connected rooftop system the process usually follows this order. Depending on system power and connection type, some steps may be combined or differ:

• Application: An application is made with the required documents to the distribution company where the consumption subscription is located.
• Evaluation and connection opinion: The distribution company examines whether the grid at that point is suitable for the connection and gives its opinion.
• Project: If a favorable opinion is received, the electrical project is prepared and submitted to the relevant authority for approval.
• Connection agreement: After project approval, the agreement on the connection is signed.
• Installation: In line with the approved project, the panels, inverter and protection devices are installed.
• Acceptance and meter: Acceptance procedures are carried out, a bidirectional meter is installed if needed, and the system is commissioned.

Information to prepare for the application

The required documents may vary according to the regulation and the distribution company's practice. Still, having the following information ready before applying speeds up the process: information and bills for the consumption subscription, documents showing ownership or right of use of the building or land, the power and layout of the system to be installed, and the technical information of the panel and inverter.

If you are a tenant or the roof is a common area, the consent of the property owner or the apartment owners may be needed. In apartment buildings and housing estates, this depends on the management plan and the owners' decision. If the installation is on agricultural land, separate rules on land use may come into play.

Expert note: Before applying, check that the name on the subscription matches the name on the title deed or the lease. A name mismatch is one of the points where the process most often gets stuck.

Why can the connection opinion be negative?

The distribution company assesses whether the transformer and line at the connection point can carry a new generation facility. If the transformer capacity in the area is full or the line is weak, the application may be assessed negatively or a different connection point may be suggested. This is more likely in rural areas and in places where many applications have been made to the same transformer.

A negative opinion may not mean the project is completely over. Changing the system power, a different connection point or a design focused on covering your own consumption may be an option. At this point, the communication of the team running the project with the distribution company is important.

That is why it is wise to wait for the result of the connection opinion before paying for or ordering materials for panels, inverter or mounting structure. A system installed before the opinion is issued cannot be connected to the grid if approval does not come, and may sit idle for a long time. Also check in your quote which stage the payments are tied to.

Project, installation and acceptance stage

The electrical project shows all components of the system, the connection diagram and the protection devices. The project is prepared by an authorized engineer. The installation must be done in line with this approved project; if a panel, inverter or connection different from the project is used on site, there will be a problem at acceptance.

At the acceptance stage, the system's conformity to the project, the grounding, the protection devices and the safety labels are checked. If any deficiency is found, it is asked to be corrected. After acceptance, the procedures for the meter and system use are completed, and the system officially starts supplying production to the grid.

Do not connect the system to the grid and run it on your own before acceptance is complete. This can create problems both for safety and legally.

Changes made after the system is commissioned also matter. Adding panels, replacing the inverter or adding a battery can mean a change to the approved project and may require a new application. If you are planning such a change, ask what procedure is needed before carrying it out. Also keep the acceptance documents, the approved project and the agreements for the life of the system; these documents will be asked of you when you sell or rent out the building.

Why do time and cost vary?

It would not be right to give an exact figure for how long the process will take. The distribution company's workload, whether the application is complete, the result of the connection opinion, project approval and acceptance appointments affect the time. The legislation may define periods for certain steps; current periods are checked at the time of application.

Official fees at the application, project and acceptance stages are also set by regulation and can change. When getting a quote, make clear in writing whether permit and project procedures are included in the quote and who will pay the official fees and charges.

Think about the season when planning the calendar. For someone who wants to commission the system at the beginning of summer, applying in the winter months leaves time for the approval and acceptance steps. For systems that will cover agricultural consumption, completing the process before the irrigation season begins lets you benefit from production from the first year. An application sent back for a missing document is the factor that pushes this calendar back the most.

Clarify who will run the process from the start

Most project owners leave the procedures from application to acceptance to the company doing the installation. In that case, the quote should clearly state which steps are the company's responsibility, which documents will be requested from you, and how the process will be reported.

Because regulations and practices can change, especially for large systems, rented roofs and agricultural land, we recommend consulting an expert on legal and technical matters. This article gives general information and does not replace legal advice.

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