Introduction
Receiving a revision request from an Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) is a common part of the solar permitting process.
An AHJ may review a solar permit application and request changes to the drawings, calculations, equipment information, structural details, or other documentation before the application can move forward.
A revision request does not necessarily mean the entire solar design is incorrect. In many cases, the reviewer is asking for specific information to be corrected, clarified, or added.
The key is to understand each comment, make the required changes accurately, and resubmit a complete and consistent plan set.
In this guide, we’ll explain what solar installers, EPCs, and contractors can do when an AHJ requests revisions to a solar permit plan set.
What Is an AHJ in Solar Permitting?
AHJ stands for Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Depending on the project and location, the AHJ may be the local building department, electrical authority, fire department, or another agency responsible for reviewing and approving certain aspects of the project.
The AHJ reviews submitted plans based on applicable codes, local requirements, and its own submission procedures.
Because requirements can vary by jurisdiction, solar plan sets should be prepared according to the requirements applicable to the specific project location.
Why Does an AHJ Request Solar Plan Revisions?
There are several reasons an AHJ may request revisions.
Common examples include:
- Missing information
- Incorrect panel layout
- Incorrect setbacks
- Electrical calculation issues
- Inconsistent equipment information
- Missing structural details
- Incorrect or incomplete single-line diagrams
- Missing labels or notes
- Incomplete battery/ESS information
- Required documents not included
- Project information that does not match across drawings
- Local AHJ requirements not addressed
The exact reason will depend on the project and the comments provided by the reviewing authority.
Step 1: Carefully Review Every AHJ Comment
The first step is to read the complete revision request.
Don’t focus only on the first or most obvious comment.
Create a list of every requested correction and organize them by category.
For example:
| AHJ Comment | Plan Area | Required Action |
| Incorrect panel count | Roof Plan | Update panel layout |
| Missing conductor information | Electrical Plan | Add required details |
| Equipment mismatch | SLD | Correct equipment information |
| Structural information required | Structural Plan | Add/revise documentation |
| Missing label | Electrical Plan | Add required label |
This makes it easier to ensure that no comment is missed during the revision process.
Step 2: Understand What the Reviewer Is Asking For
Some AHJ comments may be straightforward, while others may require technical review.
For example:
Comment:
“Provide additional information regarding the PV system.”
Instead of making assumptions, determine exactly what information the reviewer is requesting.
If clarification is needed, the project team may need to contact the appropriate AHJ or review the applicable submission requirements.
Understanding the comment correctly is important before making changes to the plan set.
Step 3: Identify Which Drawings Need to Be Updated
One AHJ comment may affect more than one drawing.
For example, if the number of solar modules changes, you may also need to update:
- Roof plan
- Site plan
- Electrical calculations
- Single-line diagram
- Equipment schedule
- System summary
- Labels
- Other related documentation
Updating only one drawing can create inconsistencies in the final plan set.
Step 4: Check the Entire Plan Set for Consistency
After making revisions, review the complete plan set—not just the page mentioned in the AHJ comment.
Check important information such as:
- Project address
- Panel count
- System size
- Module model
- Inverter model
- Battery model
- Equipment locations
- Electrical information
- Conductor details
- Disconnect information
- Single-line diagram
- Structural information
For example, if the panel count changes from 24 to 22, make sure every applicable drawing and calculation reflects 22 panels.
Step 5: Verify Electrical Updates
Electrical revisions require particular attention because a change in system configuration can affect other calculations and documentation.
Depending on the revision, check:
- System size
- Module configuration
- Inverter information
- String configuration
- Conductor sizing
- Overcurrent protection
- Disconnects
- Electrical calculations
- Main service information
- Single-line diagram
The revised electrical information should accurately represent the proposed system.
Step 6: Review Structural Requirements
If the AHJ requests changes related to structural information, review the applicable documentation carefully.
Potential areas may include:
- Roof framing
- Mounting system
- Attachment details
- Equipment weight
- Roof loads
- Structural calculations
- Mounting locations
If engineering documentation or PE stamping is required, the appropriate qualified professional should provide or review it.
Step 7: Check Local AHJ Requirements
AHJ requirements can vary between jurisdictions.
Before resubmitting, verify that the revised plan set addresses the applicable local requirements.
This may include requirements related to:
- Building codes
- Electrical codes
- Fire access
- Roof setbacks
- Equipment placement
- Rapid shutdown
- Battery storage
- Required notes and labels
- Submission documents
A revision should address the specific requirements applicable to that project, rather than relying only on a generic solar plan template.
Step 8: Update the Revision Information
When revising a plan set, clearly document what was changed.
Depending on the AHJ’s submission process, this may include:
- Revision number
- Revision date
- Description of changes
- Updated drawing sheets
- Revision clouds or markers
- Response to comments
A clear revision record can help the reviewer identify the changes more easily.
Always follow the specific resubmission format requested by the applicable AHJ.
Step 9: Perform a Final Quality-Control Review
Before resubmitting, perform a final review of the entire package.
Solar Plan Revision Checklist
- Every AHJ comment has been addressed
- Correct project address is shown
- Panel count is consistent
- System size is correct
- Module information is correct
- Inverter information is correct
- Battery information is correct, if applicable
- Electrical calculations have been updated
- Single-line diagram has been updated
- Structural information has been reviewed
- Required labels and notes are included
- Revision information is update
- All drawings are consistent
- Required supporting documents are included
This final check can help prevent another round of avoidable revisions.
Common Mistakes When Responding to AHJ Revisions
1. Addressing Only One Comment
An AHJ may provide several comments. Missing even one can result in additional review comments.
2. Updating Only One Drawing
A design change may affect several sheets. All related documents should be reviewed and updated.
3. Creating New Inconsistencies
For example, changing the panel count on the roof plan but leaving the original number on the electrical drawings.
4. Ignoring Local Requirements
A generic solar design may not address all requirements for a particular AHJ.
5. Resubmitting Without Quality Control
A quick resubmission without reviewing the complete package can lead to additional corrections.
How to Reduce Future Solar Plan Revisions
While revisions cannot always be avoided, solar companies can improve their design and documentation process.
Consider implementing:
1. Project-Specific Design
Prepare the plan set according to the actual project, site, equipment, and applicable requirements.
2. AHJ Requirement Review
Review relevant AHJ requirements before preparing the final submission.
3. Design Quality Control
Check the complete plan set for accuracy and consistency before submission.
4. Equipment Verification
Verify module, inverter, battery, mounting, and other equipment information.
5. Final Submission Checklist
Use a standardized checklist before submitting every solar permit package.
How SouthVine Energy Can Help With Solar Plan Revisions
SouthVine Energy provides solar design and documentation support for U.S. solar projects.
Our support can include:
- Solar Permit Plan Set Design
- Solar CAD Design & Drafting
- Plan Set Review
- Electrical Design Documentation
- Single-Line Diagram Preparation
- ESS Permit Plan Sets
- Solar + EV Design
- Structural & Electrical Engineering Support
- PE Stamping, where required
- AHJ Revision Support
- PTO & Interconnection Support
- As-Built Drawings
- Third-Party Plan Review
For solar installers, EPCs, and contractors dealing with AHJ revision comments, having an experienced design team review and update the affected documents can help organize the revision process.
Final Thoughts
An AHJ revision request is an opportunity to correct or clarify the submitted solar documentation.
The most important steps are to:
Review the comments → Understand the requirements → Update the affected drawings → Check the entire plan set → Perform quality control → Resubmit.
The goal is not simply to change one page of a drawing. The revised plan set should accurately and consistently represent the proposed solar project.
Accurate design. Clear documentation. Better-prepared submissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an AHJ revision request mean?
It means the reviewing authority has identified information that needs to be corrected, clarified, or added before the permit application can proceed.
Can I resubmit a solar permit after an AHJ revision request?
Generally, yes, but the exact resubmission process depends on the applicable AHJ and its procedures. Follow the instructions included with the revision comments.
What are common solar permit revision requests?
Common requests can involve panel layouts, setbacks, electrical calculations, equipment information, structural details, single-line diagrams, labels, and missing documentation.
Does one revision affect the entire solar plan set?
It can. A change to one part of the design may require updates to multiple drawings, calculations, schedules, or supporting documents.
How can solar installers reduce AHJ revisions?
Project-specific design, careful review of applicable requirements, accurate equipment information, consistent drawings, and a final quality-control review can help reduce avoidable errors.
Does SouthVine Energy provide AHJ revision support?
SouthVine Energy provides solar design, drafting, plan-set review, and documentation support for U.S. solar projects, including support with plan revisions.
