Need a Solar Structural Letter? What the Building Department Expects
What the letter confirms, what the engineer checks, and the information that gets you a fast turnaround.
- What the letter confirms
- What the engineer checks
- The information that speeds it up
- Serving All 50 States
- Sealed & Stamped
- Drawn In-House in CAD
- Quotes in 5-10 Min
A solar structural letter is a sealed engineering letter (often with calculations) confirming that the existing roof can carry the added weight of the solar array plus wind and snow loads, and that the attachments to the roof framing are adequate.
What Is a Solar Structural Letter?
Many building departments (AHJs) require a structural review before a rooftop solar permit is issued. The letter states the roof framing has been checked for the new loads and is adequate as is – or describes the reinforcement needed.
What Does the Engineer Check?
- Rafter or truss size, spacing, span and condition
- Added weight of the array and racking (commonly around 3 psf)
- Wind uplift on the attachments
- Snow load for your location
- Attachment spacing and fastener embedment into the framing
What Information Do We Need?
- Site address (for wind and snow design values)
- Framing size and spacing measured in the attic
- Rafter or truss span
- Roof material and number of layers
- Attic and roof photos
- Array layout and racking / module spec sheets
What If the Roof Needs Reinforcement?
If the framing is not adequate, the engineer specifies a fix – often sistering rafters, adding supports or adjusting attachment spacing – so the installation can still go ahead.
For Installers: Keeping Permits Moving
Installers with regular volume benefit from a consistent format and quick turnaround. We provide repeatable letters and priority scheduling for ongoing work.
Want Us to Handle It for You?
We prepare the drawings, calculations and seal your permit needs – with a fixed price in 5-10 minutes.
What to Have Ready
- Site address
- Attic photos showing the framing
- Rafter/truss size, spacing and span
- Array layout
- Racking and module spec sheets
More Questions, Quick Answers
How fast can I get a solar structural letter?
Once we have the framing information and photos, letters are delivered quickly. Your quote includes a firm delivery date.
Do you need a site visit?
Usually not – attic photos and measurements are enough. If something is unclear, we tell you what to check.
Are letters sealed in my state?
Yes. Letters are sealed by an engineer licensed in the project’s state.
Do you offer volume pricing for installers?
Yes. Regular installers get consistent pricing and priority turnaround.
You May Also Need
Get Your Fixed Price in 5-10 Minutes
Tell us about your project and attach any plans or photos. An engineer replies with the scope, price and delivery date.
- Reply within 5-10 minutes on average
- Fixed price before any work begins
- Sealed by an engineer licensed in your state
- Your drawings stay confidential