The RM of Morris has seen recent interest in solar energy.

Reeve Ralph Groening wants to remind residents to contact the building inspector first because building permits are needed for this type of project.

"It's not anything punitive, we are working with our residents," said Groening. "We do understand the interest there to look at alternative sources of energy."

Trevor Dackow, Building Inspector for the RM of Morris, said the interest is likely due to hydro rates increasing, and the solar hydro initiative that recently came to a close.

Manitoba Hydro has a Solar Energy Pilot Program, which stopped taking applications this month. This 2-year pilot program requires approved customers to finish their installations 1 year from their approval date.

"Everybody's trying to economize, and the use of solar energy is certainly a way to achieve some savings on your hydro bill," said Dackow.

A permit is needed for two reasons; for safety and to abide by the zoning by-law.

"In terms of building inspections, as a municipality what we're trying to do is ensure that everybody's projects are completed in a safe manner and in conformance with the Manitoba building code," said Dackow.

"If one is going to be installing a rooftop solar array... it's important that the weight of this installation be considered along with the weight capacity of the load bearing trusses that constitute the roof assembly," he added.

Dackow also noted some zoning by laws in the RM of Morris are fairly specific.

"One of them is that any structure, and that would include a ground-mounted solar array, say based on a concrete slab... if the size of that installation exceeds 120 square feet then you're required under the by law to obtain a building permit," he said.

A resident looking for a building permit can contact Dackow by calling the RM of Morris office.