How Winston-Salem Handles Solar Energy: A Practical Guide

Every city handles solar energy a little differently. In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

HOA Restrictions

NCGS 22B-20 prohibits HOAs from banning solar panels on single-family homes in Winston-Salem. HOAs may impose reasonable restrictions on location and appearance but cannot make solar economically infeasible. Statute applies to covenants recorded after 2008.

Key details: State Law: NCGS 22B-20 preemption. Applies: Single-family detached. HOA Rules: Reasonable only. Effective: October 1, 2007. Townhomes: Limited protection.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

Winston-Salem is more permissive than most cities when it comes to hoa restrictions. That said, there are still limits.

Panel Permits

Winston-Salem requires building and electrical permits for rooftop solar installations. Residential systems typically permitted over the counter for 100-200 dollars. NC state building code governs structural and electrical requirements. NC solar access law protects installations.

Key details: Permit: Building + electrical. Cost: 100-200 dollars typical. Code: NC Building Code + NEC 690. Utility: Duke Energy interconnection. State Law: NCGS 22B-20 protects.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Winston-Salem gives residents more flexibility on panel permits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Winston-Salem gives residents more room on solar energy. 2 of the 2 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

These rules come from Winston-Salem's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.