A permit pull is the act of submitting a permit application to the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) before starting electrical, plumbing, or structural work. For homeowners adding an EV charger, solar system, or upgrading an electrical panel in North Carolina, the contractor applies for the permit, pays the fee, and schedules the required inspection once work is complete.
The process exists so a licensed inspector can verify the work meets the National Electrical Code (NEC) and any local amendments. In NC, electrical work on a residence must be inspected by a licensed electrical inspector. Most permit offices in Raleigh and Charlotte process routine electrical permits in one to two weeks, though this varies by workload.
Permit fees are modest, typically $50–$150 for a standard EV charger circuit or panel upgrade. Solar installations involve a building permit plus separate electrical permit, which can run $200–$500 combined depending on system size and jurisdiction.
When you’re getting quotes
Confirm the quote includes permit pulling and the inspection. Some contractors quote installation only and treat permits as a separate line item. Others include it without mentioning it. Ask specifically: “Is pulling the permit and managing the inspection included in this price?” For solar, also ask whether the Duke Energy interconnection application is included (it should be). Any contractor who suggests skipping the permit to save time or money is worth walking away from.
Common questions
- Does EV charger installation require a permit in North Carolina?
- Yes. Installing a new 240V circuit for an EV charger is electrical work that requires a permit in every NC jurisdiction. The permit is applied for by the licensed electrician, not the homeowner. After the work is done, a local electrical inspector visits to verify it meets code. Work done without a permit is a code violation and can create problems with your homeowner's insurance and when selling the house.
- Who pulls the permit for solar installation in Raleigh and Charlotte?
- Your solar installer handles it. Solar installations require both a local building/electrical permit (from the city or county) and an interconnection application to Duke Energy. In Raleigh, permits go through Wake County or the City of Raleigh depending on jurisdiction. In Charlotte, they go through Mecklenburg County. Pulling permits is standard scope for any licensed solar contractor — it should be included in the price, not an add-on.
- What happens if electrical work is done without a permit in North Carolina?
- Unpermitted electrical work can void your homeowner's insurance coverage for related claims, create liability if the work causes a fire or injury, and surface as a problem during a home sale inspection. You or the buyer may be required to have the work inspected retroactively, which sometimes means opening walls. It can also affect rebate applications — Duke Energy's Charger Prep Credit requires a permitted installation as part of the documentation.