Roof Replacement when Solar Panels are present policy

Due to the hazardous conditions created by the existing solar panel system, the City of Wheaton will require the following when replacing a roof that has solar panels in place:

1. A Solar Panel Installation company that has an active electrical license must be named on the permit application in addition to the Illinois state-licensed roofer.
2. All electrical work must be done in compliance with the current City of Wheaton adopted edition of the National Electrical Code. All roofing work must be done in compliance with the applicable adopted edition of the International Codes.
3. The Solar Panel contractor must properly disconnect the solar panel system from the electrical service lines. If the solar panel system is to be permanently decommissioned, all abandoned electrical connections must be properly rectified in accordance with the City of Wheaton's adopted edition of the National Electrical Code.
4. If the solar panels are to be removed and reinstalled, they must be removed and stored with care, in accordance with the solar panel manufacturer’s specifications for removal and reinstallation. The manufacturer's specifications and requirements for removal and reinstallation must be submitted at the time of permit application.
5. Reinstallation of the solar panel array must be done per the manufacturer's reinstallation specifications and procedures, and in the same configuration as originally approved. All installations must comply with the current adopted editions of the National Electrical Code and the International Solar Energy Provisions. If the original configuration no longer complies with the current code requirements, a request to install in the original configuration must be submitted in writing and approved by the Building Official before re-installation.
6. Written certification with a diagram of the installed solar panel layout must be submitted by the solar panel installer. This certification must verify that the installation was done in accordance with the re-installation provisions set forth by the manufacturer and per all applicable codes. Once this certification has been received, a final inspection will be required to be performed by the City of Wheaton on the reinstallation of the solar panel system.

Note: The City of Wheaton inspection is only a final electrical inspection of the solar panel installation. The installation of the roof is not included within this inspection, as the City of Wheaton does not perform roof inspections.

To apply for a permit

Maintstar - h2.maintstar.co/wheaton/portal/#/

Contact Us

City of Wheaton Building & Code Enforcement Department
Address: 303 W. Wesley Street, Wheaton, IL 60187
Phone Calls:
Questions regarding this information: 630-260-2050
Business hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Fax: 630-260-2195

4/8/2025