Solar Panels

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Solar Panels, also referred to as Photovoltaic (PV) Systems, are a type of Solar Energy System that offers an alternative way to provide power to a home. They can be roof-mounted or ground-mounted and must comply with all applicable NC Building Codes.

Residential Solar Panels

To permit Residential Solar Panels (Photovoltaic Systems) you will need to submit:

Apply for Permit Type: Residential Accessory-Solar Panel utilizing Civic Access public portal, providing a complete description of the proposed system including location, whether roof-mounted or ground-mounted.
A Plot Plan meeting all the specifications listed below in Plot Plan Requirements, not required for roof-mounted.
Construction Plans showing PV array configuration, wiring system, overcurrent protection, inverter, disconnects, required signs, AC connection to the building, and attachment detail for roof mounted or footing details for ground mounted. Plans should be sealed by a NC registered design professional.
Spec Sheets & Installation Manuals: Include specification sheets and installation manuals for all manufactured components, including, but not limited to, PV modules, inverters, combiner boxes, disconnects, and mounting systems.
Development Clearance Certificate containing all approved information approved from the Town, if the property is located within a Town served by the Inspections Department.
An Appointment of a Lien Agent for projects costing $40,000 or more.
A certificate of Workers' Compensation insurance or a completed affidavit of Workers Compensation exemption form for contractors for projects costing $40,000 or more.
A notarized Owner-Contractor Exemption Affidavit for projects costing $40,000 or more and where an owner is listed as the general contractor.
If the property is served by well and/or septic, separate permits or approvals may be required from Environmental Health.
Additional approvals may be required from Guilford County Planning & Development regarding Zoning- Use & Setbacks, Watershed and Soil Erosion.

Plot Plan Requirements

A good resource for a plot plan is a survey issued for a recent mortgage or refinance closing. If you draw the plot plan yourself, be sure to sign and date it, and include contact information. The following are requirements to be shown on the Plot Plan. Plot Plans not required for roof-mounted systems.

The plot plan should be drawn to scale, using an acceptable engineering scale. Include bar scale, north arrow, date map prepared including revision dates.
Name and contact information of preparer of the map.
Property lines with dimensions and road frontage shown.
Dimensions, location and use of all existing and proposed buildings and structures including additions; distances between buildings measured at the closest point; and distance from buildings to closest property lines.
Existing and proposed driveways, patios, pool decking, walkways, etc.
All water features including drainage easements, streams, buffers, and flood zone. Watershed boundaries and WCA Tier lines labeled, including allowable and proposed impervious surfaces, total built-upon area shown in acres and with percent of total area noted.
Any other easements or restrictions must be shown.

Commercial Solar Panels

Commercial projects are required to have an approved Site Plan prior to submittal. Contact the Guilford County Planning & Development Department if your property is within unincorporated Guilford County or if within Town limits, contact the appropriate Town’s Planning Department for the requirements for Site Plan Approval.

To permit Commercial Solar Panels (Photovoltaic Systems) you will need to submit:

Apply for Permit Type: Commercial Accessory-Solar Panel utilizing Civic Access public portal, providing a complete description of the proposed system including location, whether roof-mounted or ground-mounted.
Site Plan approval from Guilford County Planning & Development or appropriate Town’s Planning Department.
Construction Plans showing PV array configuration, wiring system, overcurrent protection, inverter, disconnects, required signs, AC connection to the building, and attachment detail for roof mounted or footing details for ground mounted. Plans should be sealed by a NC registered design professional.
Development Clearance Certificate containing all approved information approved from the Town, if the property is located within a Town served by the Inspections Department.
An Appointment of a Lien Agent for projects costing $40,000 or more.
A certificate of Workers' Compensation insurance or a completed affidavit of Workers Compensation exemption form for contractors for projects costing $40,000 or more.
A notarized affidavit Owner-Contractor form for projects costing $40,000 or more and where an owner is listed as the general contractor.
If the property is served by well and/or septic, separate permits or approvals may be required from Environmental Health.
Additional approvals may be required from Guilford County Planning & Development regarding Zoning- Use & Setbacks, Watershed and Soil Erosion.