Solar Energy in Apex, NC (2026)
2 verified solar energy rules for Apex, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Panel Permits
Apex has aggressively streamlined residential solar permitting. In July 2018 the Town eliminated the $100 application review fee and the ~$100 building-inspection fee for standard rooftop solar PV systems, removed the engineer's-seal requirement for rooftop PV under most cases, and raised the residential rooftop system cap from 10 kW to 20 kW. The Town targets a 3-business-day review for completed 1- and 2-family solar permits (10 days for commercial). Time-of-Use rates are optional for solar customers, and credits for excess generation can be carried forward as long as the account remains active. State law (NCGS 160D-914) prohibits HOA bans on solar collectors.
Apex Solar Panel / PV System Permits
Few RestrictionsHOA Restrictions
North Carolina has a partial Solar Access Statute at NCGS 22B-20 that VOIDS HOA covenants that 'prohibit, or have the effect of prohibiting, the installation of a solar collector' on residential property. However, the statute contains a substantial carve-out at NCGS 22B-20(d) allowing HOAs to PROHIBIT solar collectors on (1) facades facing a public or common street, (2) roof surfaces sloping toward such facades, and (3) areas within sight lines from those facades. Reasonable rules on location and screening under subsection (c) are also enforceable. Voluntary solar easements between neighbors are also recognized under NCGS 22B-20.
Solar HOA Restrictions in Apex
Some RestrictionsLooking for Wake County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Apex city rules.
Solar Energy in Wake County →