Solar Energy in Raleigh, NC (2026)
2 verified solar energy rules for Raleigh, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Panel Permits
Raleigh's UDO treats a solar energy system as an accessory use permitted in every zoning district, without a separate solar-specific permit. Panels can extend into a rear or side yard setback with a 3-foot lot-line clearance, and roof-mounted arrays can exceed the district's height limit by up to 12 feet.
Raleigh Solar Panels Allowed By Right Citywide
Few RestrictionsRaleigh Unified Development Ordinance § 6.7.3
Solar Energy System Solar Energy Systems are permitted in all zoning districts as an accessory use to a permitted principal use.
HOA Restrictions
North Carolina General Statute §22B-20 protects homeowners' rights to install solar collectors and prohibits HOA covenants that entirely ban solar energy systems. HOAs may impose reasonable restrictions regarding placement, screening, or aesthetics, but cannot effectively prohibit or unreasonably increase the cost of solar installations. Raleigh homeowners in HOA communities can install solar panels subject to reasonable design guidelines.
Raleigh Solar Panel HOA Rules
Some RestrictionsN.C. Gen. Stat. § 22B-20
Article 3. Deed Restrictions, Covenants, and Other Agreements Prohibiting Solar Collectors. § 22B-20. Deed restrictions and other agreements prohibiting solar collectors. (a) The intent of the General Assembly is to protect the public health, safety, and welfare by encouraging the development and use of solar resources and by prohibiting deed restrictions, covenants, and other similar agreement...
Looking for Wake County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Raleigh city rules.
Solar Energy in Wake County →