Panel Permits: Apex vs Cary
How do panel permits rules compare between Apex, NC and Cary, NC?
Apex has fewer restrictions than Cary.
Apex, NC
Wake County
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.
View full Apex rules →Cary, NC
Wake County
Wake County requires a building permit and electrical permit for rooftop solar PV installations. NC HB 589 streamlines the interconnection process with Duke Energy. NC Solar Easement Act (NCGS §22B-20) prohibits HOA bans on solar collectors.
View full Cary rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Apex | Cary |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Authority | Apex Planning Department / Inspections (919-249-3418) | - |
| Application Fee | $0 review fee for standard rooftop residential PV (eliminated 2018) | - |
| Inspection Fee | $0 standard inspection fee (eliminated 2018) | - |
| Engineer Seal | Not required for standard rooftop PV (eliminated 2018) | - |
| Residential System Cap | 20 kW rooftop (raised from 10 kW in 2018) | - |
| Turnaround Target | 3 business days (1-2 family); 10 business days (commercial) | - |
| Permit Expiration | 6 months from issuance; lapses if work stops 12+ months | - |
| Time-of-Use Rate | Optional for solar customers (was mandatory before 2018) | - |
| Credit Carryover | Allowed as long as account stays active (usage charges only after July 2025) | - |
| State HOA Protection | NCGS 160D-914 prohibits most HOA / city bans on solar collectors | - |
| Permits | - | Building + electrical |
| Interconnect | - | Duke Form 22 |
| HOA preemption | - | NCGS §22B-20 |
| Rapid shutdown | - | NEC 690.12 |
| Net metering | - | Solar Choice Tariff (2023) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Apex FAQ
Do I need a permit to install solar panels on my Apex, NC home?
Yes — but the process and cost have been significantly streamlined. The Town requires a solar permit with the Solar Panel Checklist, Solar Installation & Interconnection Application, and supporting drawings, but the $100 application fee and ~$100 standard inspection fee were eliminated in July 2018, and the engineer's seal is no longer required for standard rooftop PV. The Town targets a 3-business-day review for one- and two-family permits and performs no more than one successful inspection.
Is there a size limit on residential solar in Apex?
Yes — 20 kW for residential rooftop systems. Apex raised the cap from 10 kW to 20 kW in July 2018 as part of its policy push to make solar more feasible. Apex Electric (the Town's municipal utility) also made the Time-of-Use rate optional for solar customers and allows customers to carry forward credit for excess energy as long as the account stays active. HOAs generally cannot prohibit solar collectors under NCGS 160D-914.
Cary FAQ
Do I need a permit for a rooftop solar install?
Yes — Wake County requires building + electrical permits. Your installer typically handles this.
Can my HOA block it?
No — NCGS §22B-20 prohibits HOA bans. HOA can impose reasonable aesthetic conditions (e.g., panels on rear roof) but not outright denial.
Does Duke pay full retail for my excess?
Not anymore — the 2023 Solar Choice Tariff replaced 1:1 net metering with a lower buy-back rate. Discuss with your installer for current economics.
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