Do I Need a Permit for Solar Panels in Irving, TX?
Irving, Texas offers strong solar economics — the DFW Metroplex receives 5.2–5.5 peak sun hours per day, Oncor operates in ERCOT's deregulated electricity market where the REP determines solar export compensation rates, and Texas's property and sales tax exemptions apply. Two permits are required (building and electrical), TDLR-licensed contractors perform the work, and there is no Florida-style NOC or Florida Product Approval requirement. The primary distinction from Laredo's solar market is that Irving's slightly lower sun resource and more moderate climate (vs. Laredo's 5.5–6.0 hours and pure cooling load) slightly extends the payback period.
Irving solar permit rules — the basics
Development Services issues two permits for residential solar installations: a building permit for the structural racking attachment, and an electrical permit for the complete PV system. TDLR-licensed contractors are required for both — the solar installer's team typically holds both the applicable general contracting and electrical licenses. Applications are submitted through cityofirving.org or in person at 825 W Irving Blvd. Oncor interconnection application is submitted simultaneously with the permit applications.
Oncor (1-888-313-4747) serves as the electric distribution utility (wires company) for Irving in ERCOT's deregulated market. Like Laredo's AEP Texas, Oncor is a wires-only company — it maintains the poles, lines, and meters but doesn't sell electricity supply to most residential customers. Irving homeowners purchase electricity from Retail Electric Providers (REPs) operating in ERCOT. For solar, Oncor installs the bi-directional meter for production metering, and the REP determines what the homeowner receives for exported solar generation. Review your current REP's solar buyback terms before installing — some Texas REPs offer favorable 1:1 buyback, others offer below-retail rates. Consider switching to a REP with a solar-friendly plan if your current REP offers minimal export compensation.
Texas property tax exemption (Tax Code §11.27) and state sales tax exemption apply to qualified Irving solar installations — same as Laredo and Lubbock. The property tax exemption prevents the solar system's added value from increasing the assessed value of the home; the sales tax exemption saves approximately 8.25% on equipment and installation. Together these save Irving solar homeowners approximately $1,200–$2,500 on a typical residential system at purchase, on top of the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit.
No Florida-style NOC or WBDR wind requirements apply in Irving. The solar racking design uses standard 2021 IRC wind provisions for the DFW region — significantly less demanding than Port St. Lucie's 150 mph WBDR requirement, and without the Florida Product Approval system. Irving's standard residential wind design means racking attachments are designed for the applicable DFW wind speed (~100–110 mph) without the enhanced hurricane engineering required in coastal Florida. No Florida Product Approval numbers required for racking or inverter products.
Three Irving solar scenarios
| Variable | How It Affects Your Irving Solar Permit |
|---|---|
| ERCOT/Oncor — No Mandatory TX Net Metering | Oncor is wires-only in ERCOT's deregulated market. REP determines solar export compensation — review current REP terms and compare REP options before installation. Some Texas REPs offer favorable buyback; others offer minimal compensation. Self-consumption maximizes value regardless of REP |
| 5.2–5.5 Peak Sun Hours | Irving's DFW sun resource is good but slightly below Laredo (5.5–6.0) and Glendale (5.5–6.0+). A 7 kW system in Irving produces ~11,000–12,000 kWh annually vs. 13,000–14,500 kWh in Laredo — slightly longer payback period but still strong US solar economics |
| Texas Property + Sales Tax Exemptions | Tax Code §11.27: solar value exempt from property tax assessment. Texas sales tax exemption: ~8.25% on equipment and installation. Together save ~$1,200–$2,500 on a typical Irving residential system |
| No Florida WBDR / No FPA Required | Standard 2021 IRC wind design for DFW (~100–110 mph). No Florida 150 mph WBDR racking requirements, no Florida Product Approval numbers needed. Less complex and less expensive permitting than Port St. Lucie |
| No Florida NOC | No pre-construction county recorder filing. Texas doesn't require Florida's Statute 713 NOC. Simpler startup process |
| TDLR-Licensed Contractors | TDLR-licensed electrician and city-registered general contractor for the respective permit scopes. No Texas homeowner exception. Verify TDLR license at tdlr.texas.gov; City of Irving registration separately |
Irving solar economics compared to the guide
Irving occupies a middle position in this guide's solar economics spectrum. The sun resource (5.2–5.5 peak sun hours) is good — better than Toledo (4.0–4.3) and Buffalo (3.5–4.0), close to Port St. Lucie (5.3–5.5), and slightly below Laredo and Glendale (5.5–6.0+). The ERCOT REP export structure is more complex than Port St. Lucie's FPL 1:1 net metering but no worse than Laredo's identical ERCOT framework. The federal 30% ITC and Texas dual tax exemptions apply just as they do in Laredo. A typical Irving 7 kW system at $19,000–$28,000 before incentives, after federal credit and Texas exemptions, nets to approximately $11,000–$18,000 with simple payback in the 7–11 year range — competitive with national averages and favorable by northern US standards.
What solar installations cost in Irving
Solar installation costs in Irving reflect the competitive DFW market. 6–7 kW rooftop system: $17,000–$26,000 before incentives. After 30% federal credit and Texas sales tax exemption: approximately $11,000–$17,000. Battery storage (13.5 kWh): $10,000–$16,000 before incentives. Combined permit fees: per Irving's fee schedule. No Florida impact glass premium for racking (Irving has no WBDR requirement). Contact (972) 721-2371 for current permit fees.
TSBPE: tsbpe.texas.gov | TDLR: tdlr.texas.gov
Texas One-Call: 1-800-344-8377 | Oncor: 1-888-313-4747 | Atmos Energy: 1-888-286-6700
General guidance only. Always verify current requirements at (972) 721-2371. For a personalized report, use our permit research tool.