How to Resolve AHJ Comments on Solar SLDs and Avoid Permit Delays

Understanding AHJ Review Comments for Solar Permit Plans

Every day of permit delay can cost solar installers valuable time and money. One of the most common reasons for these delays is inconsistencies between permit drawings especially between the Site Plan and the Single-Line Diagram (SLD).

In the solar permitting process, receiving comments from the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) is common. While some comments may involve technical design issues, many are caused by inconsistencies between drawings included in the permit package.

One of the most frequent issues occurs when the Site Plan and Single-Line Diagram (SLD) do not match. Even a small discrepancy can result in correction requests, delaying permit approvals and project timelines.

Recently, an AHJ reviewer issued the following comment:

“On the line diagram there is only one ACD (200A), while the site plan shows two. Please remove the existing ACD if it is being replaced and keep only the new disconnect between the Gateway and Meter.”

Although this may seem like a minor detail, it highlights the importance of maintaining consistency throughout the solar permit package.

Why the AHJ Issued This Comment

During the review process, AHJ officials compare all submitted drawings to verify that the proposed installation is accurately represented.

Site Plan Shows:

• Existing AC Disconnect
• New 200A AC Disconnect
• Only one AC Disconnect

Single-Line Diagram Shows:

Because the equipment count and configuration did not match between the drawings, the reviewer requested clarification before approving the permit application.  
AHJs must ensure that all documents reflect the same system design, equipment locations, and electrical connections

Why These Errors Matter

Even minor drawing discrepancies can lead to additional review cycles, increased administrative work, and project delays. For solar installers, these delays may affect installation schedules, customer satisfaction, and overall project profitability.

By submitting accurate and coordinated permit plans, installers can reduce approval timelines and improve project execution.

How to Resolve the Comment

The correction is straightforward but important.

Required Revisions:

1. Remove the Existing AC Disconnect

If the existing disconnect is being replaced, it should not appear in the final proposed configuration.

2. Retain Only the New 200A AC Disconnect

The new disconnect should be clearly identified and properly labeled.

3. Place the Disconnect Between the Gateway and Utility Meter

The SLD should accurately reflect the actual installation sequence.

4. Update All Related Drawings

Ensure that both the Site Plan and Single-Line Diagram display the exact same equipment and layout.

After making these revisions, the permit package will accurately represent the proposed installation and satisfy the AHJ’s requirements.

What AHJ Reviewers Expect to See

AHJ reviewers look for clarity, consistency, and code compliance throughout the permit package. Their primary objective is to verify that the proposed installation is safe and accurately represented in every drawing.

When equipment locations, ratings, or system configurations differ between sheets, reviewers often request corrections before approval can be granted.

Best Practices to Prevent AHJ Corrections

1. Cross-Check All Drawings Before Submission

Compare the following documents carefully:

• Site Plan
• Single-Line Diagram (SLD)
• Three-Line Diagram (3LD)
• Equipment Layout
• Load Calculations

All drawings should contain consistent information.

2. Clearly Identify Existing and New Equipment

Every piece of equipment should be labeled as:

• Existing
• New
• Relocated
• Removed

This eliminates confusion during plan review.

3. Maintain Consistent Equipment Ratings

Breaker sizes, disconnect ratings, inverter specifications, and conductor information should remain consistent across all sheets.

4. Follow a Quality Control Process

A final QA/QC review before submission can identify mismatches and reduce revision cycles.

This simple step often saves several days or even weeks during the permitting process.

Common AHJ Comments Related to SLDs

Solar permit reviewers frequently issue comments regarding:

• Missing AC Disconnects
• Incorrect breaker sizing
• Inconsistent conductor information
• Meter location mismatches
• Missing grounding details
• Load-side and supply-side connection errors
• Existing equipment shown differently across drawings

Most of these issues can be prevented through proper plan-set coordination.

How RS Solar CAD Group Helps Installers

At RS Solar CAD Group, we understand the importance of permit-ready solar designs.

Our team performs detailed quality checks to ensure consistency across:

• Solar Permit Plan Sets
• Single-Line Diagrams (SLD)
• Three-Line Diagrams (3LD)
• Battery Storage Designs
• Interconnection Packages
• Residential Solar Projects
• Commercial Solar Projects

By identifying discrepancies before submission, we help installers reduce AHJ comments, minimize revision requests, and achieve faster permit approvals.

Final Thoughts

Many AHJ correction notices are not caused by design errors but by inconsistencies between drawings.

A simple mismatch such as showing two AC Disconnects on the Site Plan and only one on the Single-Line Diagram can delay approval and require another review cycle.

By maintaining consistency across all permit documents, clearly identifying new and existing equipment, and performing thorough quality checks, solar installers can significantly improve approval rates and streamline the permitting process.

In solar permitting, accuracy is just as important as design itself. A well-coordinated permit package not only improves approval rates but also builds confidence with AHJs, utilities, and project stakeholders.

A small correction today can save valuable time, money, and project delays tomorrow.

Need Accurate Solar Permit Plans?

RS Solar CAD Group provides professional Solar Permit Plan Sets, SLDs, 3LDs, Battery Storage Designs, and AHJ-ready documentation for residential and commercial solar projects.

Email: sales@rscadgroup.com

Website: completeinteriors.in