Answer
Solar drafting services in Colombia produce the drawings that permits and grid connection need: layouts, single-line diagrams, equipment schedules and a permit set. They must follow RETIE under Resolution 40117 of 2024, whose transition ended on December 31, 2025, and CREG Resolution 174 of 2021 for small self-generators. Prices are quoted per project, so ask for itemized quotes.
Colombia’s solar market depends on one unglamorous deliverable: the drawing set. Someone has to produce the single-line diagram, the array layout, the equipment schedule and the permit package that make a project legal, financeable and connectable. A missing inverter model number or a drawing built on an outdated rule can cost a project days or weeks.
Two rule sets shape that work in 2026. RETIE, the national technical regulation for electrical installations, was updated by Resolution 40117 of 2024. For small self-generators, the grid connection process sits in CREG Resolution 174 of 2021, which replaced CREG 030 of 2018.
This guide explains what solar drafting services in Colombia deliver, what drives their price, how the current rules affect your drawings, and when to hire a drafter, build an in-house team or use solar design tools. SurgePV publishes this post and sells solar design software.
Last updated: November 2026.
In this guide you will learn:
- What solar drafting services in Colombia actually deliver
- How the RETIE 2024 transition changes drawing requirements
- The regulations and authorities that review your documentation
- What drives drafting cost and timelines
- How to choose between a local firm, an offshore service and design software
- Common mistakes that delay permits and interconnection approvals
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What Are Solar Drafting Services in Colombia?
Solar drafting services in Colombia are technical providers, usually staffed by an electrical engineer, technician or qualified designer, who produce the drawings and documents required to permit, finance and connect a photovoltaic system to the Colombian grid.
Their work sits between sales and construction. A salesperson closes a deal with a homeowner in Cali or a commercial client in Bogotá. The drafting service turns that contract into plans the municipality, the network operator and the financier can review.
Who Provides Solar Drafting in Colombia
The market has three main provider types:
| Provider type | What they do | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Local engineering consultancy | Detailed engineering and sign-off on technical documents | Experience under the current RETIE, who signs |
| Solar EPC with in-house design | Bundles drafting with installation | Whether drawings are reviewed independently |
| Offshore drafting service | Produces drawings at a distance, often at low per-project prices | Local code review, Spanish documents, revision policy |
Compare providers on their own published scope and references. This guide does not rank named firms.
What Makes Colombian Solar Drafting Different
- RETIE 2024 replaced the 2013 annex. Resolution 40117 of 2024 repealed the General Annex issued under Resolution 90708 of 2013. Drawings must reflect the current safety, labeling and equipment requirements.
- Small self-generators follow CREG 174 of 2021. Connection requests need a single-line diagram, equipment data and, above 100 kW, a simplified connection study.
- Larger projects need network studies. Projects beyond the small-scale limits go through network-operator and system-level requirements that go well beyond a standard permit set.
Colombian Regulations and Standards for Solar Drafting
Solar drafting in Colombia is governed by a small set of rules. Check the current text of each before you finalize drawings, because amendments are frequent.
| Rule | What it covers | Drafting impact |
|---|---|---|
| RETIE, Resolution 40117 of 2024 (MinEnergía) | Technical regulation for electrical installations | Labels, protections, equipment conformity, compliance documents |
| CREG Resolution 174 of 2021 | Small-scale self-generation (AGPE) and distributed generation | Connection request package, simplified study above 100 kW |
| UPME Resolution 281 of 2015 | Sets the AGPE limit referenced by CREG (1 MW) | Decides which connection route a project uses |
| NTC 2050, Article 690 | Colombian adaptation of the U.S. NEC; PV systems | Conductor sizing, overcurrent protection, grounding practice |
RETIE 2024: The New Baseline
The DIAN legal compilation shows that Resolution 40117 of 2024 was issued on April 2, 2024, and published in the Diario Oficial on April 3, 2024. It takes effect on publication and repeals the General Annex under Resolution 90708 of 2013.
Article 3 sets transition periods. Under it, installations must meet Resolution 40117 after December 31, 2025, and inspectors who have not updated their certification cannot inspect installations from January 1, 2026. The same compilation notes that Article 3 was modified by Resolution 40304 of 2025 and that a later resolution repeals 40117 once transition periods end, so check the current RETIE text before you sign off drawings.
For solar drafters, the practical points are:
- Equipment must meet the conformity requirements that apply to it under the current regulation.
- Labels, disconnects and grounding details must match the current annex.
- Compliance documents must reference the correct resolution.
Key Takeaway
The “January 1, 2026” date often quoted for RETIE 2024 is a transition milestone, not the start of the rule. The resolution took effect on publication in April 2024, and the transition ended on December 31, 2025.
NTC 2050 and Article 690
NTC 2050 is the Colombian adaptation of the U.S. National Electrical Code, and Article 690 covers solar photovoltaic systems. Many Colombian engineers use it as the technical reference for conductor sizing, overcurrent protection and grounding. Check how the current RETIE annex refers to it before you rely on it for a specific project.
CREG Resolution 174 of 2021 and Small-Scale Self-Generation
The CREG normative manager marks CREG 030 of 2018 as repealed by Article 31 of CREG 174 of 2021. The CREG 174 text regulates technical, operational and commercial rules for integrating small-scale self-generation (AGPE) and distributed generation into the local distribution system.
Key points for drafters, per the CREG text:
- An AGPE is a self-generator at or below the UPME limit, which the resolution’s recitals put at 1 MW.
- A simplified connection study is required for AGPE and distributed generation above 100 kW. It is not required for AGPE that do not export, or for AGPE exporting surplus at 100 kW or below.
- For AGPE using non-conventional renewable sources, surplus exports are handled through an energy credit set against imports in a billing period.
- The resolution has been amended since, including by CREG resolutions in 2025 and 2026, so confirm the version in force.
This is Colombia’s energy-credit framework for small self-generators. It is not the same as net metering or net billing in other countries, so avoid those labels in client documents.
Solar Drafting vs. Solar Design Software in Colombia
Colombian solar professionals can hire a drafting service, buy solar design software, or combine both. The right answer depends on project volume and complexity.
| Factor | Drafting service | Solar design software |
|---|---|---|
| Cost model | Per project | Subscription |
| Speed | Depends on provider queue and revisions | Faster first drafts once the project is set up |
| Revisions | Often charged per round | Edit the model and re-export |
| RETIE-ready output | Depends on the drafter and sign-off | Depends on the user and local review |
| Best for | Low volume, custom projects | High volume, repeatable designs |
| Local compliance | Direct if the firm is Colombian | Needs user knowledge and local review |
The hybrid model is common: software handles layout, shading and first-pass electrical design, then a local engineer reviews, adds RETIE details and signs.
SurgePV’s solar design software covers 3D roof modeling, array layout, shading analysis, electrical workflow support and bill-of-materials output, while the solar proposals and generation and financial tool support yield and financial modeling. Outputs support design and documentation workflows but do not replace approval by the responsible engineer, authority or utility.
Typical Deliverables from Colombian Solar Drafting Services
Scope varies by project size and complexity. Here is what to expect at each tier.
Residential and Small Commercial (up to 100 kW)
- Site plan or roof plan
- Array layout with module azimuth and tilt
- Single-line diagram and stringing diagram
- Equipment schedule (modules, inverter, protection)
- Conduit and wire sizing, and bill of materials
- Basic structural notes
- Permit set for the municipality
- Documents supporting the connection request to the network operator
Commercial and Industrial (100 kW to 1 MW)
- All residential deliverables, plus:
- Load analysis and energy offset report
- Roof structural assessment or civil foundation notes
- Transformer and medium-voltage details if applicable
- Grounding and lightning protection plan
- Fire safety and egress notes
- Input data for the simplified connection study required above 100 kW
Utility-Scale (above 1 MW)
- Conceptual and detailed engineering design
- Topographical layout and civil works drawings
- Medium- and high-voltage electrical design
- Network connection studies and protection coordination
- SCADA and communications architecture
- Environmental and land-use permit support drawings
What Drives Solar Drafting Cost in Colombia
Solar drafting prices in Colombia are set by quote, and no public price list exists. The factors below move the price more than the headline per-project figure.
| Cost driver | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| System size and tier | Above 100 kW the package adds a study input and more drawings |
| Scope | Drawings only, or drawings plus engineering review and sign-off |
| Revision policy | Some providers charge per revision round |
| Site data quality | Missing roof or load data causes rework |
| Local review | Offshore low prices often exclude Colombian code review |
| Network operator queue | Timelines depend on the operator, not only the drafter |
Ask each provider for an itemized quote: drawings, revisions, compliance review and who signs. Timelines depend on site data completeness and the operator’s review queue, so ask for a written schedule.
Pro Tip
Send every drafter the same site data pack and the same scope list, including the RETIE version you expect. Quotes then compare like for like, and you see which ones price in Colombian review.
Cut Revision Rounds on Every Package
Keep layout, shading and electrical data in one model, so a change flows through the drawings instead of triggering a new quote. Book a walkthrough.
Book a DemoChecking cost first? See the SurgePV pricing page.
How to Choose a Solar Drafting Service Provider in Colombia
Use this decision framework:
- Check RETIE familiarity. Ask how the provider handles Resolution 40117 of 2024, including labeling and equipment conformity.
- Verify connection-request experience. For grid-tied systems, ask about CREG 174 of 2021 requests, including the simplified study above 100 kW.
- Confirm sign-off authority. Colombian compliance documents need a qualified Colombian professional, so ask who signs.
- Review sample deliverables. Ask for a redacted permit set from a similar project and check the single-line diagram, schedules and structural notes.
- Clarify revision policy. Find out how many rounds the quote covers.
- Match software to workflow. If you use solar design tools, ask whether the drafter can accept PDF, DWG or DXF exports and adapt them to local standards.
Common Mistakes When Outsourcing Solar Drafting in Colombia
- Using the old RETIE. A drawing based on the 2013 annex can be rejected, since installations must meet Resolution 40117 after the transition.
- Citing repealed rules. CREG 030 of 2018 is repealed. Reference CREG 174 of 2021 and its amendments.
- Using generic U.S. or European templates. Colombian municipalities and operators expect Spanish-language documents and local standards.
- Ignoring the network operator’s format. Each operator may have its own connection application format.
- Forgetting structural verification. A roof layout that ignores tile type, rafter spacing or wind load can fail inspection.
- Confusing drafting with engineering. A drafter produces drawings, but a qualified professional signs compliance documents.
When to Use SurgePV for Colombian Solar Drafting
SurgePV helps installers and EPCs speed up the repetitive part of the workflow:
- Faster first designs. Build layout, shading and electrical design data in one model.
- Consistent inputs. Reuse the same equipment data across layouts, bills of materials and proposals.
- Sales-ready proposals. Pair technical design with financial modeling, using your local tariff and surplus assumptions.
For projects that need a Colombian professional’s review, pair SurgePV with a local engineering reviewer. To see the workflow, book a demo or check the pricing page.
Sources: the DIAN compilation of Resolution 40117 of 2024 and the CREG normative manager text of Resolution 174 of 2021, both linked above, checked November 2026.
Conclusion
Colombian solar growth makes accurate drawings more important. Three actions to take now:
- Audit your current drawings against Resolution 40117 of 2024 and the current RETIE text.
- Replace references to CREG 030 of 2018 with CREG 174 of 2021 and its amendments.
- Test a hybrid workflow where software generates the first draft and a local engineer reviews and signs off.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are solar drafting services in Colombia?
Solar drafting services in Colombia are technical providers that produce the electrical schematics, single-line diagrams, array layouts and grid-connection documents a photovoltaic project needs. They are usually staffed by electrical engineers or technicians who work to RETIE, the NTC 2050 reference and CREG rules for self-generators.
How much do solar drafting services cost in Colombia?
There is no published price list, so cost is set by quote and depends on system size, scope, revisions and whether a Colombian engineer reviews and signs the package. Ask for itemized quotes that show drawings, revisions and compliance support separately. Very low offshore prices often exclude local review.
What deliverables should I expect from a Colombian solar drafting service?
Expect a site or roof plan, array layout, single-line diagram, stringing diagram, equipment schedule, bill of materials, conduit and wire sizing, structural notes and a permit set. For grid-tied systems the package should also support the connection request to the network operator under CREG Resolution 174 of 2021.
Does RETIE 2024 apply to solar installations in 2026?
Yes. Resolution 40117 of 2024 took effect on publication in April 2024, and its transition rules say installations must meet it after December 31, 2025, with limited exceptions for work already under way. Check the current text, because Article 3 has been amended and later resolutions may apply.
What is the CREG rule for small solar self-generators in Colombia?
CREG Resolution 174 of 2021 regulates small-scale self-generation (AGPE) and distributed generation, replacing CREG 030 of 2018. An AGPE is a self-generator at or below the UPME limit of 1 MW. Systems that export surplus above 100 kW need a simplified connection study.
What is the difference between solar drafting and solar design software?
Drafting services produce drawings for a per-project fee, while design software models layout, shading, electrical design and financials for a subscription. Software speeds up first drafts, but a qualified Colombian professional still has to review and sign RETIE documents.
Where this fits
This article is part of SurgePV's Solar Design hub, which works through the topic from first principles to the decisions a project team actually has to make.
