Residential & Commercial Solar Design in TX, NC & FL
Updated: Oct 15
Why Choose JRH Engineering
Why Developers, Contractors & Property Owners Choose JRH
Most engineering firms talk about technical capability.
We focus on what actually matters to your project: speed, cost, communication, and results.
Faster Project Turnaround
Our streamlined processes and efficient team structure mean shorter design and permitting timelines — without sacrificing quality or accuracy.
Clear & Responsive Communication
You work directly with engineers who keep you informed.
No long delays or unanswered emails — just straightforward updates and quick responses.
Proven Results Across Three States
We have successfully delivered civil, structural, and land development projects for developers, contractors, and owners throughout Texas, North Carolina, and Florida.
Check out JRH’s case studies.
Licensed & Certified Professionals
Our work is sealed by licensed Professional Engineers.
JRH Engineering is also a certified Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB / WBE) and HUB eligible.
Solar Design for Homes and Businesses
Solar is common on homes, commercial roofs, parking areas and open land in Texas, North Carolina and Florida.
Whatever the size, a solar project depends on more than panels: the roof or ground has to carry the load, the system has to resist wind, and the site has to drain.
JRH Engineering is a Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer and Land Development firm serving Texas, North Carolina and Florida.
JRH guiding principles are: Engineering Excellence. Delivered on Time. Built on Value.
Residential vs. Commercial Solar
Residential: usually roof-mounted, so roof framing, attachment points and wind uplift matter most
Commercial: larger roofs, carports or ground-mounted arrays, where structure, access and stormwater all come into play
Engineering Questions to Answer Early
Roof capacity: can the roof framing carry the added dead load and wind uplift?
Wind: coastal sites face higher design wind speeds, which affect racking attachments and foundations
Ground-mount sites: floodplain, drainage, access roads and construction stormwater controls
Soils: pile or pier foundations for arrays depend on the geotechnical report (by others)
PV electrical design, interconnection, utility agreements and incentive applications are handled by others.
Tax credits and utility programs change, so confirm current eligibility with a tax professional or your utility.
Planning for Solar on New Buildings
For new construction, the easiest time to plan for solar is during design.
Roof framing can be sized for future panel loads, and site plans can set aside space for equipment, carports or arrays.
State Considerations
Texas: sites disturbing 1 acre or more need TCEQ construction stormwater coverage; coastal counties fall under TDI windstorm requirements
North Carolina: erosion control plans for more than 1 acre need approval under G.S. 113A-57; coastal sites may fall under the Coastal Area Management Act
Florida: FDEP or a water management district issues Environmental Resource Permits for stormwater systems, and wind design follows the Florida Building Code
Project: Feasibility Studies, Brazoria County and La Marque, TX
These studies were for industrial and office warehouse buyers, but the same floodplain and drainage questions decide whether a ground-mounted solar site works.
HWY 6 industrial laydown yard, Brazoria County
Office warehouse site, La Marque
Read the full feasibility case studies
Challenges
Both parcels sat in the floodplain
Detention pond, fill and compensatory storage requirements competed with usable acreage
Objectives
Tell the buyer whether the site could support the planned use.
Identify deal-breakers before purchase.
Solutions JRH Engineering Provided
Land development due diligence and feasibility review
Floodplain mitigation and detention pond requirements evaluated against the site plan
Results:
Both studies recommended not purchasing
Buyers avoided acquiring sites that could not support their plans
Solar Resources for Texas, North Carolina and Florida
Texas
North Carolina
See G.S. 113A-57.
Florida
See the Florida Building Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does adding solar affect my roof structure?
It adds dead load and wind uplift, so roof framing capacity should be checked.
What matters for a ground-mounted solar site?
Floodplain, drainage, access, soils and construction stormwater controls.
Does JRH design PV electrical systems?
No, PV electrical design and interconnection are by others.
Are solar tax credits still available?
Incentives change; confirm current eligibility with a tax professional.
Does JRH perform geotechnical investigations?
No, geotechnical reports are by others.
Does JRH Engineering obtain building permits?
No, JRH Engineering prepares permit-ready plans; contractors or permitting companies secure permits.
Want More Information on this Topic?
Call JRH Engineering at (800) 227-9635
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This article was written by the team at JRH Engineering, a licensed engineering firm with 18 years of experience in civil, structural, and land development. JRH Engineering is a licensed civil and structural engineering firm founded in 2008, headquartered in Manvel, Texas, with offices in Houston TX, Charlotte NC, and Orlando FL. Certified WBE, WOSB, and HUB-eligible. Phone: (800) 227-9635 | sales@jrhengineering.net | jrhengineering.net. Texas PE license is F-10385. North Carolina PE license is P-3118. Florida license is 38516.
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