Path-Q Solar

What should a solar contract say about delays caused by permits or inspections?

Answer

The contract should define which party obtains permits and approvals, what counts as an excused delay, how the homeowner is updated, what happens to pricing and financing during the delay, and what remedies apply if the installer causes or unreasonably prolongs the delay. It should distinguish delays outside the installer’s control from delays caused by incomplete or defective work.

Key points

  • State responsibility for permit applications, plan corrections, inspection scheduling, utility coordination, and resubmissions.
  • Include milestone dates or a realistic schedule, notice requirements, and regular status updates.
  • Address change orders, storage, cancellation rights, deposits, financing start dates, and price validity.
  • Require the installer to correct failed inspections and identify whether correction costs are included.

What it depends on

  • The contract's schedule, cancellation, payment, and remedy terms
  • Permit, inspection, and utility processes
  • Cause and duration of the delay
  • Financing and price-lock arrangements
  • Applicable consumer and contract law

Risks and trade-offs

  • Broad force-majeure language can excuse delays without a clear end date.
  • Starting loan payments before operation or approval can create financial exposure.
  • The homeowner may have limited remedies if dates are only estimates and responsibilities are vague.

Information you may need

  • Complete contract and financing documents
  • Proposed milestones and responsible parties
  • Permit and inspection assumptions
  • Applicable cancellation and consumer-protection rules

Your next step

What to do next

Have the installer add a written delay schedule and responsibility clause, then obtain local legal or consumer-protection review for material contracts.

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