What changes next for solar PV systems in Alabama?

The next IRC edition is in development for January 1, 2027.

What applies to my job?

Pick the state and the product you build, install, or inspect. The card below answers from each state’s own record.

State

Solar PV in Alabama

Which codes apply? In Alabama, solar PV systems fall under the 2020 NEC (state buildings only), the 2015 IRC (local option), the 2021 IBC (state buildings only), and the 2021 IFC.

Rooftop and ground-mounted photovoltaic arrays and their wiring. State record read Oct 25, 2026. Data as of Oct 26, 2026.

Codes that reach solar PV systems

The edition Alabama enforces for each code that governs the product, and the part of the code that does.

NECNational Electrical Code

2020 NECVerified

in force since Jul 1, 2022 · State buildings only

Where it reaches the product. Article 690, solar photovoltaic systems, with 705 for the interconnection and 690.12 for rapid shutdown.

2020 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), State Building Code · Ala. Admin. Code ch. 355-12-1 (per DCM bulletin); DCM Manual of Procedures ch. 2 Table 1

The Alabama NEC record
IRCInternational Residential Code

2015 IRCVerified

in force since Oct 1, 2016 · Local adoption

Where it reaches the product. Section R324, solar energy systems.

Alabama Residential Building Code · Ala. Admin. Code r. 305-2-4-.09

The next IRC edition is in development for January 1, 2027.

The Alabama IRC record
IBCInternational Building Code

2021 IBCVerified

in force since Jul 1, 2022 · State buildings only

Where it reaches the product. Rooftop structures and the structural load of the array.

Alabama State Building Code (2021 International Building Code) · Ala. Admin. Code ch. 355-12-1 (per DCM bulletin); DCM Manual of Procedures ch. 2

The Alabama IBC record
IFCInternational Fire Code

2021 IFCPartial

in force since Jan 1, 2023

Where it reaches the product. Chapter 12, section 1205, solar photovoltaic power systems and roof access.

Fire Codes: Building Code (2021 International Fire Code), Reg. 101 · Ala. Admin. Code r. 482-2-101-.02; Ala. Code 27-2-17, 36-19-9

The Alabama IFC record

Coming next

IRC
The next IRC edition is in development for January 1, 2027.
Jan 1, 2027, is the date from which residential home builders must follow the applicable code under 34-14A-12.1.
Partial

State or local

NECAlabama applies its NEC edition to state buildings only; cities and counties set their own.
NECState Building Code applies only to state-owned or state-funded work, public and private K-12 schools, public postsecondary schools, hotels/motels and movie theaters.
IRCAlabama leaves the IRC to cities and counties.
IBCAlabama applies its IBC edition to state buildings only; cities and counties set their own.
IBCApplies only to state-owned or state-funded work, K-12 schools, public postsecondary schools, hotels/motels and movie theaters.
IFCRule applies to projects whose architectural services contract date is on or after the effective date.

Cities and counties can amend a statewide code, so confirm the edition in force with the local official.

Go deeper

Alabama laws that name solar PV systems

Statutes, rules, and commission orders are tracked state by state.

No Alabama law or rule on the site names solar PV systems. The product page shows the states that have one.

For information only. Your local building or fire official decides which code applies. We check state records often but can miss a recent change, so confirm with your official before you design, permit, or install. Terms of use