Information Bulletin for Solar Photovoltaic Installations in Winnipeg

April 20, 2026

The following is a guide to solar photovoltaic (PV) installations and permit requirements for wall mounted, roof mounted and ground mounted installations for both housing and commercial applications. This document attempts to address all scenarios however, solar PV system designs and equipment can vary greatly for each installation, so it should not be considered an all-inclusive document.

Building and electrical permit s are required for solar PV installations in the City of Winnipeg. Documents submitted for permits must be clear, legible and good quality.

Development permit information

A development permit confirms the structure is located on the property in accordance with the zoning bylaw and other City department’s requirements.

A development permit is not required for solar photovoltaic installations if the installation is:

1. located on a building and is mounted 8 feet or greater above grade, or
2. ground mounted. 

Your building permit application must be accompanied by a Declaration Form for Development Permit Exemption. See winnipeg.ca/developmentpermits.

Building permit information

A building permit confirms the structure meets code requirements. Documents submitted for building permit applications must be sealed by a structural engineer licensed to practice in the Province of Manitoba. They must be accompanied by a completed Required Professional Designer’s Certificate (commercial) (winnipeg.ca/ppd/permits/Commercial/Resources.stm) or a Professional Designer’s Certificate for Housing (winnipeg.ca/ppd/permits/Residential/Resources.stm), as
applicable.

Wall and roof-mounted systems

A building permit is required for all wall and roof-mounted solar PV installations and may be applied for by the licensed installer or homeowner/building owner.

The installation of solar panels will result in additional weights that the existing structure may not have been designed for. Structures are designed for specific loads. When combined with the solar panel and racking system weight, total loads can increase significantly which can compromise the structural integrity of the building. Winnipeg weather is variable resulting in roofs that may be subject to full design wind and snow loads, and therefore a building permit is required for all roof mounted solar PV installations.

An engineering report assessing the existing structure is required under the seal and signature of a structural engineer licensed to practice in the Province of Manitoba. The engineer must certify that the existing structure can safely support all Code required design loads and increased loading due to the addition of the solar PV system, in compliance with the structural requirements of the Manitoba Building Code (MBC). Engineers must consider the structure as a whole in the report and not just the roof. A similar engineering report is required for wall mounted installations.