Solar Resources

Getting Started with Solar: Welcome to McCall’s solar resource webpage. McCall is seeking ways to encourage solar energy development in our community. This webpage represents a collection of solar information and resources for the community. Our community’s solar goals can be found in our Solar Statement. For more information about the basics of solar energy, your solar options, and questions to ask solar professionals, read the Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Power and visit the Department of Energy’s Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar.

The City of McCall is a designated SolSmart community, implementing best practices to make it easier for residents and businesses to install and access solar energy.

Get to know the Energy Efficiency of you home
Learn about the Benefits of Going Solar

Policies & Process:

First and foremost, Solar Systems in the City of McCall require a Building Permit to be installed. This is primarily because we live in snow country, where our rooves need to be designed to withstand higher weights imposed by snow that falls, consistently, as much as 5 months out of the year. Adding a solar array to your roof can change the ability of the structure to support a consistent snow load, and therefore a Solar-Prepared roof must be designed by a Licensed Engineer in order to ensure it will be strong enough to meet the demand of both the environment, and your goals to generate energy at home or for your business.

If you are retrofitting an existing building, please apply for a Residential Remodel or Addition
If you are building new, and including solar, please include your roof design and engineering in your New Building Permit Application Materials
If you are adding solar to a commercial building, please submit a Commercial Building Permit Application.

Solar Process if you live inside McCall city limits or the City Area of Impact can be found here:

If you're not sure whether you are in City Limits or the City Area of Impact, you can find out using our Public GIS Map.

Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) over Solar Installations and Applicable Standards or Laws

Idaho Department of Building and Safety

Federal Law: Article 690, National Electrical Code (NEC)

State Law: Idaho Administrative Procedures Act (DAPA) 07.01.04

City of McCall Building Department

Finding a Contractor for Going Solar:

Find a reputable solar contractor (or two) to assess your home for solar energy and provide a quote. Before you commit to a contractor, ask them for at least three local references that you can call, and get answers to these five questions: