Permits: grid-tie vs off-grid vs RV
There’s no national rule — the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) is usually your county or city building department, and there are 20,000+ of them. But it collapses into four honest categories:
Grid-tie (any backfeed)
Permits + interconnection required essentially everywhere — a building/electrical permit from your AHJ, and an interconnection agreement from your utility. No meaningful state-level exceptions. Never energize a backfeed breaker before inspection and utility approval.
Off-grid on a permanent structure (cabin, shed, ground mount)
“Off-grid” does not mean “permit-free.” If it’s bolted down or hardwired, most AHJs technically want a permit; enforcement varies a lot by county. Probably required on paper — one phone call confirms it. Ask your building department: “Do I need a permit for a standalone solar system on a [shed / cabin / ground mount]?”
RV / van / marine
No building permit — vehicles aren’t buildings, and the NEC doesn’t apply inside an RV. Zero permit messaging needed.
Portable power stations + plug-in panels
Nothing, anywhere. Bolted or hardwired → permit; portable and plug-and-play → in the clear.
We never say “legal in your state” or “no permit needed in [state]” — those are the claims we can’t verify. Always route to your AHJ / building department.