Residential Solar Panels
Your solar panels will require permits and inspections in order to ensure that they are safe for use. We encourage you to review our solar panel requirements before applying for a permit.
Note: Maryland state government and the federal government have renewable energy incentive programs, including tax credits and rebates, which you may be able to take advantage of. Please see the Maryland Energy Administration – Residential website and the Energy.gov – Tax Credits, Rebates & Savings website for more information.
Permits Required
Your solar panel(s) will require a building permit and an electrical permit. Prior to the issuance of the building permit, an electrical permit must be filed using the building permit number. If the solar panel(s) will power a hot water heater, a plumbing permit will also be required prior to the issuance of the building permit.
Permit Process
Many factors affect the speed with which your application(s) are approved. For best results, it is critical that you carefully review your application and design documents prior to submission to ensure that all necessary documents are included and that the design is compliant with the county code. Normally, permits can be issued within 5-7 business days if the application is complete, accurate, and code-compliant.
Construction Document Requirements
Submitted documents must contain sufficient information for the plan reviewer to be able to review the proposed construction.
If your solar panel(s) will be attached to the roof of a structure, please provide:
- ___ Two (2) complete sets of detailed construction plans – drawn to scale – to include:
- ___ Manufacturer’s installation specifications
If your solar panel(s) will be free-standing, please provide the two (2) sets of detailed construction plans noted above, plus:
- ___ Three (3) plot plans of the entire parcel – drawn to scale – to include:
- ___ Location of the proposed solar panel(s)
- ___ Measurements from the proposed structure to each property line
- ___ Location of any existing structures
- ___ Measurements from the proposed solar panel(s) to existing/proposed well and/or septic area
- ___ Road name
- ___ Drywell location
- ___ All Easements (Floodplain, Forest Conservation, and Utilities)
Certifications
Upon inspection, your solar panel(s) will need to be certified by a licensed Master Electrician as having been installed per manufacturer’s guidelines, product specifications, and all articles of the International Building Code (IBC) and National Electrical Code (NEC) as adopted in Carroll County.
For residential solar panel(s) , please submit a Residential Certification of Solar Panel Installation .
Fees
Please see Row F of the building permit fee schedule, Row P of the electrical permit fee schedule, and, if applicable, Row F of the plumbing permit fee schedule. An inspection can be scheduled once the permit is issued; with inspections typically being performed the next business day. The building and electrical inspection can occur as one inspection.