Introduction: Why Quality in Solar Permit Design Matters
Solar projects are only as strong as the designs behind them. In today’s highly regulated, fast-paced solar industry, quality control is not optional — it’s essential. Poorly designed permit plan sets can delay approvals, increase installation costs, and even put your AHJ compliance at risk.
At Eden Solar Design, we’ve built our reputation by consistently delivering high-quality, accurate, and AHJ-compliant permit plan sets — with zero shortcuts. In this blog, we’ll take you behind the scenes of our quality assurance process, also known as AQC (Auto Quality Check), and explain how we ensure that every project we deliver meets — or exceeds — industry expectations.
What Is a Permit Plan Set (And Why It Needs to Be Perfect)
A permit plan set is the collection of design drawings submitted to an AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) to obtain permission to install a solar PV system. It includes:
Site layout & panel placement
Electrical single-line diagram (SLD)
Structural mounting details
Load calculations (wind/snow)
Conduit and wire sizing
Compliance notes
If even one element is inaccurate or missing, your design could be rejected, delaying your project and damaging client trust. That’s why precision and review processes are crucial.
The Quality Problem Most EPCs and Installers Face
Many solar EPCs and installers either rely on:
Overloaded internal teams without formal QC processes
Outsourced designers who skip peer review to deliver faster
The result? Plans that look finished but contain:
Sizing errors
Wrong NEC references
Incorrect inverter/battery specs
Poor formatting
Inconsistent line weights or legends
This is where Eden Solar Design stands apart — because we prioritize accuracy, formatting consistency, and compliance before a project is ever submitted.
Our Commitment to Quality: The AQC (Auto Quality Check) Process
At Eden Solar Design, every project undergoes a two-layered review process:
✅ Layer 1: Technical QA by Lead Engineer
Before finalization, each drawing is reviewed by a lead solar design engineer who checks:
Layout accuracy (roof, setbacks, module count)
Correct wire sizing per NEC
Inverter and battery compatibility
Interconnection method (line/load-side)
Grounding and disconnects
✅ Layer 2: AQC Checklist Review
We’ve built a proprietary AQC checklist that includes over 30+ quality points, such as:
Correct labels and sheet naming
Scale and title block verification
Conduit fill and voltage drop confirmation
Structural anchoring notes
Labeling and signage per AHJ
North arrow and tilt details
Each item is reviewed before delivery to ensure 100% permit readiness.
Internal Review Example: How We Catch Mistakes Others Miss
Let’s say a permit plan set includes a 15 kW system with 2 inverters. A common oversight might be:
Incorrect placement of rapid shutdown labels
Mismatch between BOM and layout
Overlooking ampacity on wire runs
Our internal review process verifies these against:
NEC 2020 standards
Manufacturer datasheets
AHJ-specific submission checklists
These proactive checks drastically reduce redlines and eliminate the frustration of rejected permits.
Tools We Use to Ensure Drawing Precision
We leverage a combination of industry-leading tools and custom workflows to ensure consistency and technical accuracy:
AutoCAD: For layout, electrical, and structural drawings
Aurora Solar: For shade reports, string sizing, and energy modeling
STAAD.Pro: For structural analysis and post design
Checklists & Templates: Developed specifically for each state and project type
All files are organized with standardized layers, symbols, and formatting guidelines — ensuring clarity for AHJs and installers alike.
Real Feedback from Our Clients
“The quality of Eden’s permit drawings is second to none. We rarely get redlines, and our AHJ approvals are faster than ever.” – EPC Client, California
“Their internal QC process caught an inverter mismatch we didn’t even notice. That saved us from a big delay.” – Installer, Florida
Our high customer retention rate is the result of delivering AHJ-approved drawings with zero compromise on quality.
What Makes Our Design Delivery Different
📏 Precision-First Approach: We don’t rush drawings; we engineer them
🧠 Experienced Engineering Team: 5+ years of U.S. solar design experience
🧾 Standardized Templates: Every drawing follows a recognizable, clean structure
🔍 Zero Redline Goal: Our goal is 100% submission-ready the first time
This leads to faster AHJ approvals, fewer client complaints, and smoother installations.
Bonus: Quality Control Isn’t Just Technical — It’s Client Experience
We believe that quality includes how we communicate:
Clear file naming conventions
Prompt responses to revision requests
Organized submissions with complete documentation
Whether it’s a 5 kW residential job or a 500 kW commercial system, you receive the same level of detail and diligence.
Why Installers Trust Eden Solar Design
Permit-Ready from Day One: Every plan is created with the AHJ’s expectations in mind
PE Stamp Integration: Structural & Electrical stamps available for all 50 states
Expertise Across Regions: We adjust designs based on local codes, snow/wind loads, setbacks
Responsive Communication: We clarify project details proactively
We’re more than a design vendor — we’re a solar design partner.
Conclusion: Quality Is the Foundation of Everything We Deliver
When it comes to solar permit plan sets, you shouldn’t have to choose between speed and quality. At Eden Solar Design, our proven quality review systems, seasoned team, and commitment to excellence help you:
Get faster AHJ approvals
Avoid project delays
Deliver a better client experience
If you’re scaling and need reliable, high-quality solar design services — talk to us. Your next project deserves precision.
